The Field Model of Health
Health is a multifaceted concept encompassing a range of personal and societal resources that enable people to adapt to a variety of situations. It has been defined in various ways, ranging from a strict biomedical definition that equates health with the absence of disease to a broader World Health Organization definition that defines health as “a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Achieving a healthy lifestyle requires making smart choices and following good advice, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. It also means avoiding unhealthful activities and situations, such as smoking and excessive stress. While many factors influence health, some of them are out of a person’s control, such as genetic disorders. Other factors are amenable to changes in individual choice, such as whether or not a person chooses to engage in risky behaviors. Still, other factors, such as economic conditions and environmental circumstances are beyond the control of individuals and communities.
In addition, the field model of health calls attention to processes that can foster resiliency and resources for adaptation. These processes include a sense of purpose and meaningful relationships, social connections and supportive networks, educational opportunities, work, and access to healthcare services. Traditional targets for intervention – such as specific diseases and behaviors – are still important in this context. However, the emphasis on processes invites new questions about what influences those target outcomes and how to promote health across a wider array of settings.
The origins of health are complex and cross-sectorial. They may be rooted in genetic makeup, environmental conditions, nutritional habits, education, physical activity, and access to healthcare and other social support systems. While some of these factors are nearly impossible to alter, others – such as dietary habits and education – can be altered on an individual and community basis. In addition, some of these factors have been shown to influence multiple health outcomes (e.g., a healthy diet is associated with improved cardiovascular health).
For individuals, the challenge of maintaining and improving their health involves balancing the demands of daily life with the pursuit of happiness. This is particularly true for marginalized populations, who face a greater likelihood of developing chronic health conditions. For example, an individual with bipolar disorder might manage their condition through medication and lifestyle choices but struggle to find meaning in their lives because of the limited availability of support networks and employment opportunities.
In addition, it’s critical for researchers and public health officials to understand the social determinants of health when designing programs to improve population health. This approach will allow for the design of more comprehensive interventions that address the needs of marginalized populations. In addition, it will help to ensure that efforts are targeted at causal pathways that have been proven effective for promoting health. This will provide a foundation for future research and the development of new evidence-based practices.
Health is a multifaceted concept encompassing a range of personal and societal resources that enable people to adapt to a variety of situations. It has been defined in various ways, ranging from a strict biomedical definition that equates health with the absence of disease to a broader World Health Organization definition that defines health as “a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Achieving a healthy lifestyle requires making smart choices and following good advice, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. It also means avoiding unhealthful activities and situations, such as smoking and excessive stress. While many factors influence health, some of them are out of a person’s control, such as genetic disorders. Other factors are amenable to changes in individual choice, such as whether or not a person chooses to engage in risky behaviors. Still, other factors, such as economic conditions and environmental circumstances are beyond the control of individuals and communities. In addition, the field model of health calls attention to processes that can foster resiliency and resources for adaptation. These processes include a sense of purpose and meaningful relationships, social connections and supportive networks, educational opportunities, work, and access to healthcare services. Traditional targets for intervention – such as specific diseases and behaviors – are still important in this context. However, the emphasis on processes invites new questions about what influences those target outcomes and how to promote health across a wider array of settings. The origins of health are complex and cross-sectorial. They may be rooted in genetic makeup, environmental conditions, nutritional habits, education, physical activity, and access to healthcare and other social support systems. While some of these factors are nearly impossible to alter, others – such as dietary habits and education – can be altered on an individual and community basis. In addition, some of these factors have been shown to influence multiple health outcomes (e.g., a healthy diet is associated with improved cardiovascular health). For individuals, the challenge of maintaining and improving their health involves balancing the demands of daily life with the pursuit of happiness. This is particularly true for marginalized populations, who face a greater likelihood of developing chronic health conditions. For example, an individual with bipolar disorder might manage their condition through medication and lifestyle choices but struggle to find meaning in their lives because of the limited availability of support networks and employment opportunities. In addition, it’s critical for researchers and public health officials to understand the social determinants of health when designing programs to improve population health. This approach will allow for the design of more comprehensive interventions that address the needs of marginalized populations. In addition, it will help to ensure that efforts are targeted at causal pathways that have been proven effective for promoting health. This will provide a foundation for future research and the development of new evidence-based practices.