Notes

Concepts of health

A negative concept of health is the view that being healthy is the absence of illness an example of this, not having any symptoms of disease, pain or distress. People with this view are likely to believe that good health is normal and to take it for granted that they are well. They assume they do not need to take any special actions to keep healthy. They are unlikely to think of themselves as ill when they have minor discomfort caused by colds or headaches, or when they feel tired or depressed. They are concerned with peoples physical, intellectual, social and emotional well-being.

A positive concept of health is the belief that being healthy is a state achieved only by continuous effort. People with this belief take active steps to maintain their health — for example, their choice of food, by what exercise they do and other activities they believe keeps them fit and healthy. People are likely to feel responsible for their own health. They will take credit for the continued absence of disease and blame themselves if they develop symptoms.

In health and social care sectors, care professionals usually adopt a holistic approach to care and to the support they give people. A holistic concept of health is the belief that being healthy means being without any physical disorders or diseases and being emotionally comfortable. For example, a person who feels anxious or who has low self-esteem would, according to this concept, not be well.

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