MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences

An exploration of the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence human health and behavior, tailored for MCAT preparation.

Foundations of PsychologySocial Structure and DemographicsCulture and Identity
Psychological Disorders and TreatmentSocialization and Group DynamicsSocial Stratification and Inequality
Application of the Biopsychosocial Model in MedicineCultural Competence in HealthcareAddressing Social Determinants of Health
Critical Reading and Passage AnalysisApplying Theories to Scenarios
Foundations of Psych...Social Structure and...Culture and IdentityPsychological Disord...Socialization and Gr...Social Stratificatio...Application of the B...Cultural Competence ...Addressing Social De...Critical Reading and...Applying Theories to...
Basic Concepts

Social Structure and Demographics

The Social Fabric of Health

Social structure refers to the organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape society. Demographics describe characteristics of populations, like age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Social Institutions

  • Family, education, religion, government, and healthcare: These shape individual opportunities and health outcomes.
  • Roles and Statuses: People occupy positions (roles) in society, like doctor, patient, parent, or teacher.

Demographic Trends

  • Population pyramids illustrate age distributions.
  • Shifting demographics affect healthcare needs (e.g., aging populations increase demand for geriatric care).

Social Determinants of Health

Factors like income, education, and neighborhood influence access to care and overall health.

Examples

  • A physician in a diverse city tailors care to patients’ languages and cultural backgrounds.

  • Public health officials target vaccination campaigns based on demographic risk factors.

In a Nutshell

Social structures and demographics shape opportunities, resources, and health outcomes.

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Culture and Identity