Context 3 · 2027 Syllabus
Health and Well-being
In the IB Psychology Guide (first assessment 2027), health is no longer defined simply as the "absence of disease." This context uses a biopsychosocial framework to understand how biological predispositions, cognitive patterns, and social environments interact to determine our quality of life.
This guide is based on the IB Psychology Guide (first assessment 2027).
Core Areas of Inquiry
"Students must explore three overarching themes: determinants of health, mental health disorders, and prevention and treatment."
— IB Psychology Subject Brief (2027)
Determinants of Health
Factors that influence whether we stay healthy or become ill — biological, cognitive, and social.
Mental Health Disorders
The etiology (causes) and prevalence of conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Prevention and Treatment
How we promote well-being, reduce stigma, and treat illness effectively.
1. Determinants of Health: The Biopsychosocial Model
In 2027, you must explain how health is a result of interacting factors:
Biological Determinants
Genetics (e.g., the 5-HTT gene linked to depression vulnerability) and neurochemistry (e.g., cortisol levels in chronic stress).
Cognitive Determinants
Health beliefs and Locus of Control — do you believe you can influence your own health? Internal vs. external locus shapes health behaviors.
Social Determinants
Socioeconomic status, social support networks, and cultural norms regarding diet, exercise, and help-seeking behavior.
2. Mental Health: Understanding Etiology
The 2027 syllabus places a heavy emphasis on the Diathesis-Stress Model:
Diathesis
A biological vulnerability — such as a genetic predisposition for depression or anxiety disorders.
Stress
Environmental 'triggers' — such as childhood trauma, bereavement, or high-pressure academic environments.
The Interaction
A disorder only manifests when environmental stress exceeds the individual's biological ability to cope.
3. Stigma and Barriers to Treatment
A new and vital area for the 2027 exams is the study of why people don't seek help:
Public Stigma
Societal prejudice against those with mental health labels — stereotypes, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Self-Stigma
When an individual internalises those labels, leading to lower self-esteem and 'label avoidance' — refusing to seek help to avoid being labelled.
Teacher's Tip
Research by Corrigan (2004) is a fantastic resource here to discuss how stigma acts as a barrier to health promotion and treatment-seeking.
Applying the 6 Core Concepts to Health
| Concept | Application to Health and Well-being |
|---|---|
| Bias | How 'diagnostic bias' leads to over-diagnosis in some groups and under-diagnosis in others. |
| Causality | The 'chicken or egg' problem: Does low serotonin cause depression, or does depression lower serotonin? |
| Perspective | How different cultures define 'well-being' — Western individualist vs. Eastern collectivist views. |
Essential "Context" Questions
Evaluate the biopsychosocial model in explaining the origins of one health problem.
Discuss the role of social and cultural factors in the prevalence of mental health disorders.
To what extent can the concept of responsibility be applied to health promotion and disease prevention?
Exam Technique Guides
See It In Practice
Read Grade 7 Model Essays
See how top students structure their answers for Paper 1 and Paper 2 questions on this context.