Question

Introduction: The readings for this week present multiple ways to define and understand health and health behaviors. The text discusses the biomedical model of health, the sociological definition of health, and how health is defined by the WHO. For this assignment I'd like you to compare and contrast these three models and then discuss how these definitions impact the way lay people understand health. Finally, given what you've learned and read, how do you define health? Directions: 1. Compare and contrast three definitions/models of health 2. Discuss how these definitions impact understandings of health 3. Offer your own definition of health

Answer 1

The biomedical model focuses on physical abnormalities, while the sociological model emphasizes societal perceptions and behaviors surrounding health, and the WHO incorporates both aspects and includes mental and social well-being in its definition. These definitions shape public understanding of health and promote a holistic approach. The definition of health can be considered as a holistic state of well-being that includes physical, mental, and social aspects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biomedical model of health focuses primarily on biological factors and views disease as an abnormality that impacts an individual's physical structure, chemistry, or function. On the other hand, the sociological definition emphasizes the sociocultural experience of health and illness, and the societal behaviors and expectations surrounding disease. The World Health Organization's definition of health incorporates both these aspects and expands upon them to include complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

These definitions significantly impact how lay people understand health as they set the framework for our perceptions about health and disease. The socio-cultural perspective and the WHO's definition, in particular, challenge the notion that health is merely the absence of disease and promotes a more holistic understanding that includes mental and social well-being.

My definition of health, based on the readings and models mentioned, would be a holistic state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects, and isn't solely limited to the absence of disease or infirmity.

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