« The dominant model of disease today is biomedical, and it leaves no room within this framework for the social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. A biopsychosocial model is proposed that provides a blueprint for research, a framework for teaching, and a design for action in the real world of health care. »

George L. Engel ; The need for new medical model : A challenge for biomedecine ; Science Vol. 196, p. 129-136 (1977)

“The biopsychosocial model (abbreviated « BPS ») is a general model or approach that posits that biological, psychological (which entails thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social factors, all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness. Indeed, health is best understood in terms of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors rather than purely in biological terms. This is in contrast to the traditional, reductionist biomedical model of medicine that suggests every disease process can be explained in terms of an underlying deviation from normal function such as a pathogen, genetic or developmental abnormality, or injury.”

Biopsychosocial model ; Wikipédia (9.11.11)

« Le modèle bio-psycho-social », avec extension au spirituel, sur ce site ethikos.ch