Concepts of Health Flashcards
What is the World Health Organization (WHO) 1946 definition of health?
‘health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’
What are the strengths of WHO’s (1946) definition?
- This definition was significant because it recognised that health was more than just physical health
What are the limitations of WHO’s (1946) definition?
- It does not give everyone the opportunity to be considered healthy - unachievable for most.
- For example, trying to achieve ‘complete’ wellbeing in just one of the dimensions identified is difficult, let alone all dimensions.
What is the World Health Organization (WHO) 1986 definition of health? (40 years later)
“a resource for everyday life, not just the objective for living. It is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”
What are the strengths of WHO’s (1986) definition?
- The definition of health becomes more inclusive and more achievable
- The focus on personal resources and physical capacities means that health is dependent on an individuals own situation.
- A person can be considered healthy even if they do not have ‘complete’ wellbeing in the dimensions of physical, social and mental health.
Define ‘Health’?
Relates to physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions
Define ‘Wellbeing’?
An equilibrium in which the individual feels happy, healthy, capable and engaged
What are some factors that influence health and wellbeing?
- Regular Exercise
- Realistic and achievable goals
- Healthy self-esteem
- Sufficient sleep
- Fun hobbies
- Optimistic outlook
- Sense of purpose and meaning
- Sense of belonging
- The ability to adapt or change
- Nutritious diet
- Enough money
- Spiritual or religious beliefs
- Network of close friends
- Enjoyable and fulfilling career
- Happy intimate relationship with a partner
What are the 5 dimensions of health? (PEMSS)
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Social
- Spiritual
What is Physical health and wellbeing?
Physical H&W relates to the functioning of the body and its systems, in which a person can perform their daily tasks without physical restriction.
What are some Physical H&W characteristics?
- Physical fitness
- Body weight
- The absence of disease or illness
- Energy levels
- Optimal blood pressure
What is Social health and wellbeing?
Social H&W is concerned with the ability to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others as well as the ability to manage or adapt appropriately to different social situations.
What are some Social H&W characteristics?
- Productive relationships with others
- Supportive and well-functioning family
- Supportive network of friends
- Ability to adapt or manage different social situations
What is Emotional health and wellbeing?
Emotional H&W is the ability to recognise, understand and effectively manage and express emotions as well as the ability to display resilience. People who have positive emotional H&W are usually resilient and can recover from events such as illness, change or misfortune.
What are some Emotional H&W characteristics?
- Recognise a range of emotions
- Possess the ability to recover from misfortune
- Adequately respond to, express and manage emotions
- Experience appropriate emotions in various scenarios
What is Mental health and wellbeing?
Mental H&W is the current state of wellbeing relating to the mind or brain and includes the ability to think and process information.
What are some Mental H&W characteristics?
- Low levels of stress and anxiety
- Positive self esteem
- High levels of confidence
- Positive thought patterns
- Process information to solve problems
- Use logic and reasoning to form opinions, make decisions and solve problems