For a concept to be
psychosocial means it relates to one's
psychological development in, and interaction with, a
social environment. The individual needs not be fully aware of this relationship with his or her environment. It was first commonly used by psychologist
Erik Erikson in his
stages of social development. Contrasted with
social psychology, which attempts to explain social patterns within the individual. It is usually used in the context of "psychosocial intervention," which is commonly used alongside
psycho-educational or
psycho-pharmacological interventions and points toward solutions for individual challenges in interacting with an element of the social environment.