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P2- Explain different sociological approaches to health and ill-health
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P2- Explain different sociological approaches to health and ill-health
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Unit 6P2- Explain different sociological approaches to health and ill-health
In this task, I will be explaining the different sociological approaches to health and ill health and the
different concepts of health such as the positive concept, the negative concept, the holistic concept
and The World Health organisation’s definition of health. I will start by defining and explaining the
factors of good health and well-being.
Health and well-being
Health is a state of sound body and mind. Well-being is about how individuals feel about themselves,
feeling healthy, happy or well affluent. Having a positive outlook and self-concept gives an individual
a feeling and sense of well-being. Health and well-being is made up of four imperative factors which
include intellectual, emotional, social and physical. These are the factors that support us throughout
the day and keep us ticking.
Physical health
Physical health is defined as the “condition of your body, taking into consideration everything from
absence of disease to fitness level”. Physical health is imperative for overall health and well-being
and can be damaged and affected by many factors such as diet, level of physical activity, and
behaviour.
Intellectual health
Intellectual health is the ability to think clearly. Intellectual health refers to being open about new
ideas and experiences, and the desire to increase understanding, improve skills and continually
challenge yourself.
Emotional health
Emotional health is an important part of overall health. People who are seen as emotionally healthy
are in control of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, it means you are emotionally aware. You
can deal with them whether their negative or positive.
Social health
Social health is commonly defined as “your ability to form meaningful relationships with other
people and interact in healthy, positive ways”. The way you attach and link with the people around
you, adapt to different social situations and scenarios and experience a sense of belonging all
collectively contribute to your social and overall health.
, Definitions of health
Negative definition of health
A negative definition of health is one that concentres on the absence of disease and illness. It defines
that an individual can only be regarded as being healthy if they have no disease or illness. For
example, if you don’t have any symptoms of disease, pain or distress. An individual with this view
will believe that good health is normal, and they will think they’re well. Someone with this view may
also think that they don’t need to take any specific actions to keep healthy. Also, they might not
think of themselves as ill when they have minor discomforts like colds or headaches or when they
feel tired or depressed.
Positive definition health
The positive definition of health and well-being is where an individual is reaching and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle by being fit physically and having positive mental health and wellbeing. Individuals
of this view regard the things they do day to day such as walking, running, having an active life and
feeling well as indicators of good health and well-being. Such people with this view 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. Furthermore, people with this view believe that people
who do not take action to maintain their health cannot be healthy, even if there is nothing wrong
with them.
Holistic definition
The holistic definition of health and well-being is looking at an individual’s lifestyle and heath and
taking all six factors into consideration physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social.
Holistic, centres on the whole body and mind not just a singular part of the body and symptoms of
the problem. It will observe at the lifestyle of the individual such as nutritional deficiencies, causes of
stress and why there poor wellbeing and a lack of health. With this approach, you can attempt to
meet the needs of the whole person rather than just one factor. People with this view are likely to
label themselves as ill when they experience a wide range of unpleasant feelings, not just physical
pain or discomfort.
The World Health Organisations definition of health
Health can be commonly defined as the ‘absence of disease’ also known as the negative approach to
health. Contrasted with a positive definition of health provided by The World Health Organisation
they state health is ‘not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental,
spiritual and social well-being’. We can see this definition is being used in models of health including
the holistic model of health. As the holistic model looks at the whole person rather than a single
aspect affecting their health.
Functional health
Functional health can be defined as the ability to perform all of one’s daily activities of living. Such as
self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, feeding and grooming oneself.
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