Holistic - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In the context of GCSE Psychology, 'holistic' refers to an approach that looks at the whole picture rather than just focusing on individual parts.

When we use a holistic view, we try to understand how different factors, like thoughts, emotions, and social influences, all work together to affect behaviour and mental processes. This approach is important because it helps us see how complex and interconnected human behaviour is, instead of just examining one small part at a time.

For example, when studying mental health, a holistic approach would consider biological factors, personal experiences, and the impact of relationships and society.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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