Wellness consciousness is a psychographic variable that has considerable predictive power for a variety of health attitudes and behaviors. However, few studies have conceptualized and operationalized the concept in a way that supports its validity as a measure.
The present study aims to address this problem by measuring an individual’s psychological trait regarding health, rather than actual behaviors, in order to generate a reliable scale.
Physical
Wellness is a positive and affirming process that allows people to grow and change. It is more than just being free from disease, and it includes many aspects of a person’s life such as work, family, emotions, spirituality and the environment. It is also a dynamic process that requires continuous effort. Those who are conscious of wellness take the necessary steps to prevent illness and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Some examples of poor wellness include smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, unprotected sex and physical activity that is too strenuous.
Several studies have shown that health consciousness predicts different attitudes and behaviors (Furnham & Forey, 1994; Gould, 1988, 1990; Iversen & Kraft, 2006). However, most of these studies have not clearly conceptualized and operationalized the concept of health consciousness, and have failed to develop a reliable measure. Moreover, most have explored the relationship between health consciousness and specific health behaviors. This study finds that health consciousness has a direct effect on home-based exercise, and that perceived behavioral control mediates this relationship.
Environmental
A good relationship with the environment can be one of the most important aspects of wellness consciousness. This includes the physical spaces that people occupy, such as their homes, workplaces and other social environments. In addition, it can include the larger societal and ecological landscapes.
Being environmentally conscious does not require joining a group or movement. It simply involves incorporating environmentally friendly practices into your lifestyle, such as using energy-efficient appliances, recycling and spending time in nature.
A recent study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine the relationship between health consciousness and environmental attitude. It found that health consciousness is a prominent predictor of individuals’ intentions to purchase organic food. The study also developed a preliminary scale for measuring health consciousness. The findings indicated that the core dimensions of health consciousness include self-health awareness, health information seeking and usage, and personal responsibility. In addition, it was found that curiosity is a key factor in improving both subjective wellbeing and environmental literacy.
Social
When people think of wellness, they often immediately think of the physical aspects like nutrition, exercise, weight management and blood pressure. However, wellness is much more than the body. It also includes the mind and spirit. A person who is not mentally or spiritually well can still struggle in other areas of their life such as finances, work and socially.
A growing number of researchers are examining the concept of health consciousness. While various definitions have emerged, five components have consistently appeared in research over the previous two decades: health information seeking and use, self-directed learning, attention to health, and overall orientation toward health.
A wellness approach that looks at the whole person can be useful in many different types of situations. NWI’s Multicultural Competency Committee can provide support and resources for incorporating a holistic wellness approach within a multicultural context. Click here to learn more about the committee’s mission and to sign up for their email newsletter.
Spiritual
Taking care of your spiritual health may seem like an elusive endeavor, but it has benefits that transcend the mind and body. Practicing spiritual wellness can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself, such as your family, friends and community. This can lead to peace of mind and a sense of purpose in life.
It is also important to have a support system in place when going through difficult times, such as if you are grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing financial problems. This can include finding a church or a support group that can relate to your situation and provide advice or guidance.
You can improve your spiritual wellness by practicing meditation, yoga and other soulful activities that make you happy. You can also practice gratitude and learn to let go of negative thoughts by thinking about all the positive things in your life. This can be a simple, daily practice that helps you feel at peace and reconnected.
