Health (WHO, 1948): A holistic state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Example: Feeling energetic, mentally balanced, and socially active signifies good health.
Biomedical Model: A reductionist approach viewing health as the absence of disease caused by biological factors; health is restored by treating underlying physical causes.
Example: Prescribing antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Biopsychosocial Model: An integrative approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors as interacting influences on health and illness.
Example: Chronic pain influenced by physical injury, emotional stress, and social support.
Lay Theories of Health: Informal, everyday beliefs about what constitutes health, often varying across cultures and individuals, and not necessarily aligned with scientific models.
Example: Believing that a strong immune system alone defines good health.
1. What does the World Health Organization (WHO, 1948) define health as?
2. According to the historical models of health, how many bodily fluids or 'humors' did humoral theory propose needed to be balanced for health?
3. What is the primary role of the Biomedical Model in healthcare?
Health — WHO definition?
Complete physical, mental, social well-being.
Biomedical Model — focus?
Absence of disease caused by biological factors.
Biopsychosocial Model — components?
Biological, psychological, social factors.
Health Psychology — focus?
Understanding and promoting overall well-being.
Health Belief Model — key elements?
Perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues, self-efficacy.
Theory of Planned Behavior — predicts?
Health behaviors based on intentions influenced by attitudes, norms, control.
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