Evaluation of the biopsychosocial model of health among emerging adults

Abstract

Purpose: United Nations SDG 3 highlights the need for healthy life and promotes mental well-being at all ages. Given the growing significance of mental health and its declining status among emerging adults, it is imperative to reevaluate the biopsychosocial (BPS) model. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed to analyse biological, social, and psychological components of health. The biological component was assessed through the Reaction Time test (Psychopy Version 2024.2.5). Resilience, personality, and overall mental health in the psychological domain were assessed through the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Behaviour Inhibition and Behaviour Activation System (BIS-BAS) Scale, and Mental Health Continuum (MHC) Scale, respectively. The social component was assessed through the Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Through convenience sampling, 333 private university students (115 males and 218 females) with a mean age of (20.3 + 1.8) years were recruited for the study. Results: The results of this study indicated no associations between the biological and the psychological components, but the biological variable was associated with the family component of perceived social support (rs = − 0.155, p = 0.004). There were also associations between the psychological and social components of the BPS model (MSPSS with MHC (rs = 0.37, p < 0.001) and BRS (rs = 0.19, p < 0.001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that only BAS Drive and BAS Fun Seeking were predictors of Reaction Time (RT) (f2 ≈ 0.06). This could be because (RT) is a response based on activation, and the task did not reward the individual. Conclusion: The findings indicate the need to develop individualised interventions and healthcare plans that enhance wellness among emerging adults, thereby contributing to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being. © The Author(s) 2025.