What model explores the relationship among health, the individual, the group, and the community?

The socio-ecological model is a framework that examines the complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors that influence health and health behaviors. This model posits that individual health is not just a result of personal choices, but is also shaped by the relationships people have within groups and the larger community context.

By integrating multiple levels of influence, the socio-ecological model highlights how environmental factors, social norms, and policies can impact health outcomes. This comprehensive approach encourages interventions that address various levels of factors, from personal behavior to community resources and public policy. It emphasizes that to improve health at an individual level, one must consider the broader social and environmental context in which they live.

Other models, such as the health belief model, primarily focus on individual perceptions and motivations, while the sociocultural model emphasizes cultural influences on health behaviors. The behavioral model typically looks at access to healthcare and characteristics of healthcare systems. However, it is the socio-ecological model that best encapsulates the multifactorial relationship among health, the individual, groups, and communities.