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HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 002

Explain why people give different meanings to health. In your answer, provide two specific examples of different meanings between groups.   (3 marks)

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  • People give different meanings to health based on their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances.
  • For example, someone with a chronic illness may define health as being able to manage their condition and maintain independence, while an athlete might define health in terms of optimal physical performance.
  • Cultural values also influence health meanings, with some cultures emphasising spiritual and community aspects of health.
  • Additionally, a person’s age and life stage can affect how they define health, with younger people often focusing on physical capabilities while older individuals may prioritise mental wellbeing and social connections.
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  • People give different meanings to health based on their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances.
  • For example, someone with a chronic illness may define health as being able to manage their condition and maintain independence, while an athlete might define health in terms of optimal physical performance.
  • Cultural values also influence health meanings, with some cultures emphasising spiritual and community aspects of health.
  • Additionally, a person’s age and life stage can affect how they define health, with younger people often focusing on physical capabilities while older individuals may prioritise mental wellbeing and social connections.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 001

Outline the World Health Organisation's (WHO) definition of health.   (2 marks)

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  • The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
  • This definition recognises that health encompasses multiple dimensions beyond just the physical aspect and the absence of illness.
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  • The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
  • This definition recognises that health encompasses multiple dimensions beyond just the physical aspect and the absence of illness.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 003 MC

The following sources present different meanings of health:

  • Source 1: "Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living organism."
  • Source 2: "Health is a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living."
  • Source 3: "Health is a dynamic state of wellbeing characterised by physical, mental, and social potential."

Which of the following statements MOST accurately analyses how these sources reflect different meanings of health?

  1. Sources 1, 2, and 3 all reflect that health is primarily about physical functioning.
  2. Source 2 reflects a sociocultural model while Sources 1 and 3 reflect biomedical models.
  3. Source 1 reflects a biomedical view while Sources 2 and 3 reflect holistic approaches.
  4. Sources 1, 2, and 3 all reflect that health is a fixed state rather than dynamic.
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  • C is correct because Source 1 presents a biomedical view (functional/metabolic efficiency), while Sources 2 and 3 reflect more holistic approaches (resource for life, dynamic state including multiple dimensions)

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Only Source 1 focuses primarily on physical functioning.
  • B is incorrect: Source 3 also reflects a holistic approach, not a biomedical model.
  • D is incorrect: Source 3 explicitly states health is “dynamic” and Source 2 implies a changing resource, not a fixed state.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 002 MC

The World Health Organisation defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

How does this definition BEST reflect current understandings of health in Australia?

  1. It prioritises the absence of disease over the need for physical and mental wellbeing.
  2. It recognises the multidimensional nature of health beyond just physical considerations.
  3. It places greater emphasis on mental health compared to physical and social wellbeing.
  4. It focuses primarily on preventing disease rather than promoting overall wellbeing.
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  • B is correct because the definition acknowledges the multidimensional nature of health (physical, mental, and social).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: The WHO definition explicitly states health is “not merely the absence of disease”
  • C is incorrect: The definition gives equal weight to physical, mental, and social aspects of health
  • D is incorrect: The definition emphasizes wellbeing across multiple dimensions rather than just disease prevention

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 001 MC

Anne states that health is "the complete absence of disease."

James says health is "feeling good about myself and maintaining a positive outlook."

Samira suggests health is "having meaningful connections with others."

Which dimensions of health are Anne, James, and Samira describing in order?

  1. Physical, emotional, social
  2. Physical, mental, social
  3. Physical, spiritual, social
  4. Physical, emotional, cultural
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Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct as Anne is describing physical health (absence of disease), James is describing mental health (feeling good, positive outlook), and Samira is describing social health (connections with others).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: James is describing mental health rather than just emotional health.
  • C is incorrect: James’s description aligns with mental health, not spiritual health which relates to purpose and meaning.
  • D is incorrect: James is describing mental health, not emotional health, and Samira is describing social health, not cultural health.