1. Philosophy Statement
Leslie Parsons
It is important for health educators to develop a philosophy of health. Different health
educators have various opinions and beliefs. Each belief affects a person’s perspective and
philosophy. A philosophy of health is a health educator’s beliefs and opinions about the
definition of health. Without defining their philosophy of health it is hard for health educators to
perfect their profession. To begin their research and practice, health educators must define their
philosophy of health.
My personal philosophy of health agrees with the philosophy of symmetry, which
states that “health consists of four aspects, and that it is important to balance them. The
four aspects are physical, emotional, spiritual, and social”. According to the World
Health Organization, health is defined as “the state of complete mental, physical, and
social wellbeing not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1947, p. 1). In
my opinion, WHO’s definition of health is incomplete. World Health Organization’s
definition of health does not point out the importance of emotions or spiritual aspects of
health.
My definition of health is the state of complete physical, emotional, spiritual, and
social well-being. Each of these four aspects of health can have an effect on a person’s
well-being. I believe that emotions can affect a person’s health. Every person has
emotions, and these emotions can either benefit or harm our health. In today’s society,
self-image has become an important part of everyone’s daily lives. Society has created
an ideal image of how males and females should physically portray themselves. Concerns
and worries of how to portray the perfect image can trigger negative thoughts, which then

2. leads to negative emotions. Jealousy and envy are negative thoughts that trigger negative
emotions such as sadness and disappointment. Negative thoughts and emotions can affect
one’s health. A person who struggles with extreme negative thoughts and emotions may
turn to drugs, cutting, or even suicide. There are also positive emotions that impact
health. A positive outlook on life can benefit a person’s health. A person who embraces
optimism tends to live life to the fullest. I believe those who live life positively and seek
contentment and happiness in all areas of their lives thrive. Those who are optimistic
about life tend to be more adventurous. In order to participate in their adventures they
often seek opportunities that encourage fitness. I believe that emotions can have a
significant impact on a person’s health.
The spiritual aspect is also an important component of health. There are numerous
religions in the world with multiple spiritual beliefs. My spiritual belief is not easily
accepted today. I believe that there is a God, and that He alone created the world and
everything in it. In some countries their religion is their lifestyle. Some spiritual lifestyles
can either hinder or benefit a person’s health depending on their spiritual values. Religion
is often a huge component of people’s lives. Cultures and moral values originate from
religion. Without it there would not be life or civilization as we know it. I mentioned
before that I live a Christian lifestyle. As a Christian, I believe in honoring our body for it
is the temple of God. I believe that God has given us the responsibility to care for our
bodies and not harm them. According to my spiritual belief, by honoring my God I must
honor my body. In my personal beliefs, exercising, eating right, and pushing away
impurities is how I honor my body. Not everyone in the world agrees with my belief, but
they have their own methods or rituals on how to honor their bodies as well. The spiritual

3. aspect of health is very important for a person to live a healthy lifestyle. The definition of
health cannot be complete without the emotional and spiritual components.
It is important for health educators to have a philosophy of health promotion. In
order for a health educator to have a philosophy of health, they must know the definition
of health promotion. According to the Joint Committee on Health Education and Health
Promotion Terminology, health promotion is “any planned combination of educational,
political, environmental, regulatory, or organizational mechanisms that support actions
and conditions of living conducive to the health of individuals, groups, and communities”
(Joint Committee, 2012, p. 18). Philosophy of health promotion acts as a tool or a guide
for health educators. Philosophy of health promotion organizes health educator’s beliefs
and values. Health educators need to have a philosophy of health in order to succeed in
their profession.
According to Welle, Russell, and Kittleson there are different types of
philosophies that health educators rely upon, including behavioral change, cognitive-
based, decision-making, freeing or functioning, and social change philosophy. These five
different philosophies are the most common philosophies health educators use today.
These five philosophies are helpful to new health educators to use as a foundation in
their profession. My personal philosophy of health promotion is similar to eclectic health
education/promotion philosophy. According to Welle, Russell and Kittleson, eclectic
health education/promotion philosophy is when health educators promote health in any
heath education/promotion philosophies. I personally agree with the eclectic philosophy
that health educators should promote an appropriate topic and time with the appropriate
audience. For example, a younger audience may benefit from the eclectic philosophy.

4. When I was in middle school, a group of health educators visited our school for a week.
The health educators taught us about sex and the risks of unprotected sex. As a young
teen, I was not listening to what they were saying because I was uncomfortable with the
topic. I remember most of my classmates did not learn very much either as they too were
embarrassed with the topic. I believe the health educators would have had more impact
on us if they had prepared a subtle topic instead of giving us the graphic outcome of sex.
Also, they may have been more effective if they spent more time than one week to
discuss prevention of unprotected sex. This would have given the students more
opportunities to understand the content. I believe that eclectic philosophy is a useful
philosophy for health educators to use to promote health.
Overall I believe that philosophy greatly impacts health educators in their
profession. Philosophy gives health educators the bases for his or her work. Defining
their philosophy of health and health education/promotion, health educators can greatly
impact our society.

5. Works Cited
Joint Committee on Health Education and Health Promotion Terminology.
(2012). Report of the 2011 joint committee on health education and
promotion terminology. Reston, VA: AAHE.
Rash, J.K. (2010). Philosophical bases for health education. In J.M. Black, S. Furney,
H.M. Graf, & A.E. Nolte (Eds.), Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
(pp. 7-10). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Welle, H.M., Russell, R.D., & Kittleson, M.J. (1995). Philosophical trends in
health education: Implications for the 21st century. Journal of Health
Education, 26(6), 326-333.
World Health Organization (WHO). (1947). Constitution of the World Health
Organization.