A Holistic Model for Wellness and Prevention Over the Life Span

Abstract

A small percentage of our resources for health and human services is devoted to wellness and prevention of illness and social problems. An integrated paradigm for wellness and prevention over the life span is presented for the purpose of theory building, research, clinical application, education, advocacy, and consciousness raising. The model includes 11 characteristics desirable for optimal health and functioning. These characteristics are expressed through the five life tasks of spirituality, self‐regulation, work, friendship, and love. Life forces external to the person are noted to understand the interaction between the individual and societal institutions.

Education and social cohesion for economic growth

“…The children's well-being and their social progress are more likely to work when their home and community environments are synchronized with what children experience when they are at school (OECD, 2010). On the other hand, basic cognitive skills, positive attitudes, healthy habits and other personality traits such as patience, self-efficacy and self-confidence can be nurtured in the family environment (Witmer & Sweeney, 1992). Individuals may be better prepared for life when they can enhance their cognitive knowledge as well as their social and emotional skills at home.…”

“…In addition, educational leadership may create an inclusive schooling environment to nurture social cohesive values towards the entire community. This is one of the reasons why education should be organized to increase the participation of all children hailing from diverse backgrounds (Witmer & Sweeney, 1992). Education can become more inclusive with the most vulnerable groups in society.…”

Full issue

“…These life tasks interact dynamically with the life forces (defined as external influences), such as family, religion, education, community, government, media, and business/industry. Finally, global events such as disease, war, pollution, economic exploitation and/or poverty, are viewed as impacting on holistic wellness (Sweeney & Witmer, 1991;Witmer & Sweeney, 1992. All components are seen as being interactive, interdependent and systemically connected.…”

A Different Approach: Applying a Wellness Paradigm to Adolescent Female Delinquents and Offenders

“…Several models of wellness have been developed such as those by Heiller (1984) and Dunn (1961) in disciplines such as medicine, public heath, and psychology. Wellness models incorporate multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches to conceptualizing and working with clients by attending to influential factors of holistic health such as culture and age (Cruse & Nicholas; Witmer & Sweeney, 1992) and employ a systems approach, recognizing that change in one area of functioning impacts other areas. Additionally, models of wellness emphasize the prevention of illness and pathology and thus provide an alternative paradigm for conceptualizing and treating offenders.…”