The Loss Model

As a biological breakdown engendered by societal influences, illness is conceptualised as a pattern of symptoms. That these cause suffering and incapacity concerning social functioning leads to sociologists being concerned that as much as possible of illness should be prevented. In this, illness denotes a biological state but the circumstances of its development, onset and manifestation are social. That is, the erosion of physiological capacities for unimpeded bodily functioning and deterioration of interpersonal capacities for psychological functioning occur through a socially structured environment impinging upon the individual. In this, personality may mean vulnerability to ‘wear and tear’ effects of biography, life style or hazardous surroundings. But more risks stem from the susceptibility to disease contained in each major social status (sex, age, class, etc.). However, vulnerability and susceptibility need not necessarily ‘produce’ disease. On the one hand, triggers or aggravating factors exacerbate risks implied in one’s normal existence through class, sex, age and so on. On the other hand, buffering influences which neutralise risks must be inoperative or ineffective if illness strikes.

Computer security · Developmental psychology · Disease · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal relationship · Personality · Vulnerability (computing) · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Medicine · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychology · Social Psychology