Name
The Reciprocal Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Health of Older Adult-Caregiver Dyads
Description

This submission is proposed as a poster presentation. The poster will present the study’s theoretical framework, analytic approach, and preliminary findings on the interdependence of biopsychosocial (BPS; Engel, 1977) health among older adult–caregiver dyads. Visual elements will illustrate the Biobehavioral Family Model (BBFM; Wood et al., 1993) pathways and implications for integrated care practice and research.

Speakers
Rachel Smith, MS
Lorreine Wanjau, MA
Co-Authors
Rachel Smith*, Lorreine Wanjau*, Kayla Fitzke; *equal first authors
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Bidirectional, Geriatrics
Session Type
Poster
Objective 1
Describe how the Biobehavioral Family Model conceptualizes biopsychosocial (BPS) health as an interdependent process within older adult–caregiver dyads.
Objective 2
Interpret how actor and partner pathways contribute to understanding biopsychosocial health processes within caregiving dyads.
Objective 3
Discuss how understanding biopsychosocial interdependence within caregiver–patient relationships can inform integrated and family-centered care approaches.
Content Reference 1

To cite this article in APA 7th edition format, you can use the following: Reference List Entry Wood, B. L., Woods, S. B., Sengupta, S., & Nair, T. (2021). The Biobehavioral Family Model: An evidence-based approach to biopsychosocial research, residency training, and patient care. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 725045. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.725045

Content Reference 2

Woods, S. B., Bridges, K., & Carpenter, E. N. (2020). The critical need to recognize that families matter for adult health: A systematic review of the literature. Family Process, 59(4), 1608-1626. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12505

Content Reference 3

Alonso-Perez, E., Gellert, P., Kreyenfeld, M., & O’Sullivan, J. L. (2022). Family structure and family climate in relation to health and socioeconomic status for older adults: A longitudinal moderated mediation analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18), Article 11840. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811840

Content Reference 4

Koons-Beauchamp, D. (2023). Dyadic relationships and their impact on health and well-being [University of Iowa]. https://doi.org/10.25820/etd.007047

Content Reference 5

Woods, S. B., Thakur, B., Booker, S., Wood, B., & Roberson, P. N. E. (2026). Family emotional climate, depressive symptoms, and pain prevalence: Testing mediation pathways among midlife and older Black Americans. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 202, Article 112509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112509