My Personal Health Education Philosophy
Within the field of health education, Welle, Russell, and Kittleson (1995) determined that five dominant philosophies of health education/promotion exist. These include:
- Behavior change philosophy
- Cognitive-based philosophy
- Decision-making philosophy
- Freeing or functioning philosophy
- Social change philosophy
Although the five identified philosophies for health education and promotion demonstrate that health educators may align specifically to one orientation versus another, these five philosophies do not fully encompass how health educators practice in the field. In fact, while one philosophy may serve to help explain how a certain health education strategy is introduced to an individual or community, another philosophy may be better aligned to the true needs of that individual or community. Thus, in serving to empower individuals and communities to promote health and well-being, the health educator is also empowered to develop their own personal orientation, their foundational approach to health education practice.
For this Discussion, review the Learning Resources for this week. Reflect on the philosophies for health education/promotion and consider which philosophy may help inform your philosophy statement for health education.
Post your philosophy statement for health education . This will require you to explain your health education philosophy. In the explain which one of the five philosophies of health education and promotion most closely align with your philosophy statement and why. Then, describe how you would explain your philosophy of health education to a colleague or peer. Be specific and provide examples.
References
Cottrell, R. R., Girvan, J. T., Seabert, D., Spear, C., & McKenzie, J. F. (2018). Principles and foundations of health promotion and education (7th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings.
- Chapter 3, “Philosophical Foundations”
