Where is the social in the psychosocial? A narrative review

To examine how the 'social' is conceptualised and mobilised within psychosocial diabetes research, and to consider how disciplinary perspectives shape the field.

We conducted a narrative review focusing on psychology, sociology and anthropology. Using a purposive and iterative approach, we synthesised influential theoretical and empirical works that foreground social aspects of diabetes, tracing conceptual histories, disciplinary assumptions and methodological orientations.

Psychology has largely defined the psychosocial in terms of individual behaviours, coping and distress, situating social factors as contextual influences. Sociology has repositioned the social by focusing on structures, inequalities, stigma and institutional practices. Anthropology has illuminated cultural meanings, lived experiences and structural violence, showing how diabetes is embedded in broader histories and contexts. Together, these perspectives demonstrate that the psychosocial is not a fixed combination of two domains but a hybrid, negotiated space. We argue that Mode 2 knowledge production-transdisciplinary, collaborative and problem-oriented-offers a productive frame for rethinking psychosocial diabetes research.

Recognising the psychosocial as a hybrid construct underscores the need for conceptual and methodological pluralism. By embedding social science perspectives alongside psychological and clinical approaches, psychosocial diabetes research can generate knowledge that is inclusive, contextually grounded and socially robust. This orientation promises to strengthen research relevance, support participatory approaches and enrich responses to the complex realities of living with diabetes.