WHO Definition of Health

Health is “a complete state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing… not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1946)

Critique of definition

  • Too broad

  • Allows for too much interpretation of symptoms. e.g. Homosexuality, cultural variation in grief, etc.

  • Doesn’t acknowledge the role of socio-economic and cultural influences.

Definitions of Well-Being

Wellbeing refers to the overall state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy, both physically and psychologically (Willroth, 2023)

A holistic concept encompassing various aspects of an individual's life, including physical health, mental and emotional states, social relationships, and life satisfaction (Hepper et al., 2021).