Meanings of health
How does 'WHO' (World health organisation) define health
The complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
Identify the 5 dimensions of health
Physical, social, emotional, spiritual, mental
Define perceptions
How something is seen, interpreted and understood.
How can perceptions be determined (2 measures)
Subjectively - qualitative, based on thoughts, feelings or opinions.
Objectively - quantitative, based on facts, numbers
meanings of health
- definitions of health
- ____________ of health
- relative and dynamic nature of health
Dimensions
Health is considered a holistic concept. What is meant by the term holistic?
It means focusing on the whole, not just the physical aspect of health. It takes into account the various dimensions of health and how they interrelate (affect one another).
Define social health
Provide an example of how the media can influence perceptions
Constant advertisement or idolisation of the 'picture of health' can influence individuals to engage in risk behaviours to meet that idea of health e.g. Models that are tall and thin.
Why would someones perceptions of health be different to others? (provide 2 reasons)
- different level of education
- past health
- values of health passed down from family
- cultural differences
(or similar)
Which section of the syllabus does this come from (learn about or learn to)
examine the dynamic nature of health by exploring:
- the interactions between the dimensions
the concept of good health
- the health continuum
- how health changes over time
- how an individual’s circumstances affect their health
Learn to
What is meant by the dynamic nature of health. Use an example in your answer
Dynamic health mean that your health is constantly changing. For example, if you break your leg, your physical health changes very quickly.
(or similar)
Define spiritual health
Provide an example of how your peer can influence your perception of health
Within groups, individuals may be influenced to believe or perceive health in a certain way. For example, males perceiving body builders as healthy may be influenced to take steroids to meet that perception.
Define a social construct
This relates to where views regarding health are influenced by the social, cultural and economic conditions of families or society
Complete the missing words from the syllabus point
Perceptions of health
- impact of the ____, _____ and ________
Media, peers and family
What is meant by the relative nature of health. Use an example in your answer
Relative health means comparing your health to others or to another time or place. e.g. For example, you might be less healthy now than when you were in Year 7.
(or similar)
Mental health is the functioning of the brain
Emotional health is related to moods and feelings
Provide an example of how your family can influence your perception of health
Ideas held by families or 'parents' can be passed down onto their offspring. This will impact their health behaviours and choices as they believe it is healthy to do so. For example, a parent who drinks alcohol on a daily basis might pass these behaviours onto their children.
Name 2 implications of perceptions of health
potential to reinforce negative stereotypes
- Varying expectations of individuals capacity or responsibility for their health
- impacts the degree of support individuals provide to each other
- may increase adverse outcomes of health related illness, disease
- can be passed down through family - cycle
Which syllabus point does this question come under?
'how healthy am I? How healthy do other people think I am?'
- Examine the dynamic nature of health
- Examine perceptions of health
Examine perceptions of health
Explain how the concept of good health changes from childhood, adolescence, adulthood and into old age.
(provide one concept of health for each age group)
Childhood - able to socialise and play with peer, generally very healthy and active, able to grow and develop as intended
Adolescence - being socially accepted by others, developing independence, managing puberty
Adulthood - fit to work and provide for family, need energy and motivation to function
Old age - positive social interaction, physical health to complete daily tasks and maintain independence
Explain how the dimensions of health interact with one another using 3 relevant examples.
e.g. Having good social connections will improve your sense of belonging and therefore create feelings of happiness (emotional health)
e.g. An increase can come from being physically healthy and being able to think clearly. This can lead to an increase in self-esteem which leads to more confidence in social situations and think more largely about spiritual beliefs.
e.g. Having good spiritual health allows people to develop optimistic characteristics and connect you with people of similar beliefs helping your social health
e.g. A bad social life can lead a person to question their purpose in life. It can also lead to isolation which provides unwanted emotions or mental health conditions. This can lead to people being demotivated to participate in physical activity
List 4 factors that influence our perceptions (there are 7 total)
- Past levels of health
- Environment
- messages from family, media, peers
- Personal interpretation of the term
- Our beliefs about our capacity to achieve good health
- health behaviours and lifestyles
- value for health
How might an individual's perception of health affect their health and wellbeing. Provide two examples.
- an individuals perception of health will have an influence on their health behaviours and choices as they interpret different meanings of health
e.g. An individual who perceives mental illness as 'weak' will lead to them refusing to seek help, bottling up their feelings and ignoring their thoughts. This will ultimately lead to long lasting negative effects on their mental wellbeing
e.g. An individual who perceives physical health as someone who is cardiovascular fit and toned with muscle, will lead to positive health behaviours such as engaging in physical activity, using weights and eating nutritious food. This will positively impact their physical health by ensuring their body is functioning optimally.
(or similar)
Complete the missing words from the syllabus points
perceptions of health
- perceptions of their health
- perceptions of the ______ of others eg parents, the elderly, the homeless
- __________ of different perceptions of health
- perceptions of health as _____ constructs
- impact of the media, peers and family
2. Implications
3. Social