Society and the Microbiome: A Biopsychosocial Window Into Comprehensive Well‐Being: A Review

Background and Objectives: In addition to biological factors, human social behavior, societal structures, and environmental contexts significantly influence the human microbiome. This review examines how socially relevant factors relate to the microbiome to clarify underlying mechanisms and health impacts, aiming to inform effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Methods: We synthesized relevant literature from PubMed using a biopsychosocial framework, integrating structural socio-political and contextual factors to elucidate interactions between social behavior and the microbiota. Results and Conclusions: Social behavior shapes the microbiome through complex biological, psychological, and socio‑cultural pathways, with health consequences involving immune, mental, and metabolic functions. Future research should clarify the fundamental drivers of this relationship, identify individual differences, and employ longitudinal designs to measure sustained effects.