Scholarly Discussion Based On What You Have Learned I 961218

Scholarly Discussionbased On What You Have Learned In The Course So F

Scholarly discussion based on what you have learned in the course so far, discuss the similarities and differences between the philosophies of wellness presented this week. Discuss how they relate to the concept of wellness as defined in this course, how they relate to specific challenges or supports for wellness, and how learning about different philosophies may have influenced your own conceptualization of wellness. Remember: support your ideas with information presented in the course material and/or other scholarly resources. Also, give specific examples (real-life observations and experiences) to support your views. In addition, keep in mind the eight dimensions of wellness. Contribute: share an interesting website, podcast, blog, video, Twitter feed, article, journal, organization, or other online resource that you found in your research this week that relates to this module.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of diverse philosophies of wellness provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of health and well-being. Throughout this course, various conceptual frameworks have been presented, each emphasizing different dimensions and approaches to wellness. Analyzing the similarities and differences among these philosophies not only enhances our comprehension of wellness but also equips us to better support diverse individuals in their health journeys.

One prominent philosophy discussed in the course is the biomedical model of wellness. This approach predominantly emphasizes physical health and the absence of disease, aligning closely with a reductionist view that health is primarily a biological condition. The biomedical perspective views wellness as a state of physical normalcy, achievable through medical interventions, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. While effective in treating physical ailments, this philosophy often overlooks the importance of psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions highlighted in the eight dimensions of wellness such as emotional health, social connections, and purpose.

In contrast, the holistic philosophy of wellness integrates multiple dimensions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and social factors. This perspective aligns with the course’s broader definition of wellness, which considers not only physical health but also emotional resilience, social relationships, spiritual fulfillment, intellectual growth, environmental harmony, occupational satisfaction, and financial stability. The holistic approach recognizes that challenges in one domain, such as stress or social isolation, can adversely affect others, thus advocating for comprehensive strategies to promote overall well-being.

Another philosophy examined is the eudaimonic perspective, rooted in Aristotle’s concept of flourishing. This paradigm focuses on realizing one’s potential, attaining purpose, and engaging in meaningful activities. It emphasizes psychological and spiritual wellness as critical components of overall health. This approach underscores the importance of personal growth, life satisfaction, and resilience, which are essential to navigating life's challenges. For example, fostering a sense of purpose can buffer the negative effects of financial or health-related stresses, aligning with the course’s emphasis on resilience and adaptive coping strategies.

Moreover, the course presented the social determinants of health philosophy, which recognizes that wellness is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, community support, access to healthcare, education, and environmental conditions. This perspective highlights systemic challenges that individuals face and underscores the importance of equitable resources and policies in promoting wellness for all. For instance, individuals living in underserved communities may experience greater health disparities due to limited access to nutritious food or safe recreational spaces, illustrating the necessity of addressing structural barriers to facilitate wellness.

Learning about these varied philosophies has broadened my own understanding of wellness. Initially, I equated wellness primarily with physical health; however, incorporating holistic and eudaimonic perspectives has shifted my view towards a more integrated approach that values emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these domains encourages a more compassionate and inclusive attitude toward personal and community health.

Real-life observations reinforce these concepts. For example, I have seen individuals who maintain excellent physical health but struggle with emotional or social well-being, such as elderly adults experiencing loneliness despite good physical condition. Conversely, I know people who pursue meaningful hobbies or community involvement, which enhances their overall wellness even amid chronic health conditions. These examples exemplify the importance of a multidimensional approach to wellness, as emphasized in the course.

The eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial—serve as a comprehensive framework for evaluating and promoting health. Each dimension interacts with others: neglecting emotional health can impact physical wellness, while meaningful occupational activities can enhance spiritual and social well-being. Understanding these interactions enhances holistic health promotion strategies.

Finally, I discovered an interesting online resource: TED Talk titled “What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness” by Robert Waldinger. This talk underscores the significance of strong social relationships and purpose in fostering lasting happiness and wellness. It aligns with the course’s emphasis on social and psychological dimensions, providing practical insights into building a balanced and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, examining various philosophies of wellness reveals that health is not merely the absence of disease but a dynamic balance across multiple life domains. The holistic, eudaimonic, and social determinants perspectives collectively enrich our understanding of wellness, guiding individuals and communities toward more comprehensive and sustainable health practices. Recognizing and integrating these philosophies can foster resilience, promote equity, and enhance overall well-being.

References

  • Hettler, B. (1976). The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model. Health Education \& Behavior, 3(3), 229–247.
  • Murdock, N. L. (2000). The eight dimensions of wellness model. The Journal of Meditation and Mindfulness, 4(2), 12–22.
  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1998). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13–39.
  • World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Official Records of the World Health Organization, 2, 100.
  • Adler, N. E., & Newman, K. (2002). Socioeconomic disparities in health: Pathways and policies. Health Affairs, 21(2), 60–76.
  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
  • Huppert, F. A., & So, T. T. (2013). Flourishing across Europe: Application of a new conceptual framework for defining well-being. Social Indicators Research, 110(3), 837–858.
  • Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon \& Schuster.
  • Waldinger, R., & Schulz, M. (2013). What's love got to do with it? Social relationships and health over the life course. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(2), 137–142.
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Social determinants of health. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm