Health, Wellness, Well-Being, and Mental Health Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering health concepts, wellness dimensions, mental health continuum, PERMA model, and coping strategies.

Health (WHO Definition)

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Health Status

An individual’s current state of well-being, encompassing both general health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, acute illness) and specific physiological measures (e.g., pulse rate, body temperature).

Health Beliefs

An individual’s subjective conceptions about health, which may or may not be factually accurate and can be culturally influenced.

Health Behaviours

Actions taken to understand, maintain, or optimize health, prevent illness or injury, and achieve maximum potential.

Biological Variables

Internal variables affecting health that include genetics (e.g., asthma), sex (e.g., colorblindness), age (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), and development stage.

Psychological Variables

Internal variables affecting health involving mind-body interactions and self-concept (e.g., anxiety disorder, panic attack).

Cognitive Variables

Internal variables affecting health including lifestyle choices (e.g., diet) and spiritual or religious beliefs.

External Variables

Factors affecting health that include environment, socioeconomic status, and family roles and cultural beliefs and practices.

Wellness

An active process by which an individual progresses towards maximum potential possible, regardless of current state of health.

Physical Dimension of Wellness

The ability to carry out daily tasks, maintain proper nutrition, practice positive lifestyle habits, perform activities of daily living, and execute tasks independently.

Social Dimension of Wellness

The ability to interact successfully with people, maintain intimacy, and show tolerance for those with different opinions and beliefs.

Emotional Dimension of Wellness

The ability to manage stress, handle situations, and accept and recognize one's limitations.

Intellectual Dimension of Wellness

The ability to learn and use information effectively for career development, share talents, and engage in continued growth and learning.

Spiritual Dimension of Wellness

The dimension that unites human beings, provides meaning and purpose to life, and encompasses a person's morals and values.

Occupational Dimension of Wellness

Achieving a balance between work and leisure, having positive beliefs about education and institutions, loving what one does, and planning to pursue higher education.

Environmental Dimension of Wellness

The ability to promote health measures, improve the standard of living and quality of life of the community, and show love for mother Earth.

Mental Health (WHO, 2022)

A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his/her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community.

Healthy (Mental Health Continuum)

A stage characterized by normal mood fluctuations, taking things in stride, good sense of humor, consistent performance, physical/social activity, confidence, and nurturing support systems.

Reacting (Mental Health Continuum)

A stage characterized by nervousness, irritability, sadness, procrastination, trouble sleeping, low energy, and muscular tension, requiring one to recognize limits and seek support.

Injured (Mental Health Continuum)

A stage characterized by anxiety, anger, pervasive sadness, negative attitude, restless sleep, and social withdrawal, requiring one to tune into signs of distress and prioritize self-care.

Ill (Mental Health Continuum)

A stage characterized by excessive anxiety, panic attacks, aggression, depressed mood, inability to concentrate or make decisions, constant fatigue, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, requiring professional care.

Well-Being

A combination of being able to feel good and function well, linked to various personal, social, and professional factors.

Positive Emotions (PERMA Model)

Hedonic feelings of happiness, like feeling satisfied, joyful and content.

Engagement (PERMA Model)

Refers to a psychological connection to activities or organizations that makes one feel interested and engaged in life.

Relationships (PERMA Model)

Includes feeling socially accepted, supported and cared for by others and content with his/her social connections.

Accomplishments (PERMA Model)

Involves achieving one's goals and feeling capable of completing daily activities.

Problem-focused Coping

A coping strategy that addresses the problem causing distress and focuses on identifying the problem.

Emotion-focused Coping

A coping strategy that aims to reduce the negative emotions associated with the problem.

Meaning-focused Coping

A coping strategy that uses cognitive strategies to derive the meaning of the situation, think critically, and understand why that problem arose.

Social-coping

A coping strategy that uses relationships and social support to manage stress and social difficulty.