Work

Recognizing Health as Interdependent: A Conceptualization of Health That Reflects Our Complex World

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Health in the United States has been primarily approached through an individualistic lens, often framed as an individual's private property. This perspective sees health as a self‐managed state of being, reliant on individual effort, willpower, and personal responsibility. However, such an approach misaligns with how health actually operates in people's lives. The many dynamics of a person's health, including biological systems, social relationships, systemic factors, and culture, are deeply interdependent. In this paper, we define what it means to conceptualize health as interdependent and synthesize seminal and emerging supporting empirical research. We also consider its implications for shifting dominant narratives in policy, culture, addressing inequalities, and promoting both personal and collective health.

Source: Social and Personality Psychology Compass

DOI: 10.1111/spc3.70106

Authors: Kengthsagn Louis, Tao Jiang

Institutions: Boston College, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Health, psychology, and well-being

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400