Reconceptualizing the Construct of Health: Integrating Emic and Etic Perspectives

A new model of health is presented, illustrated with examples from the folk and scientific domains of one cultural group, Greek Americans, and implications for using this model in nursing practice are discussed and research directions are suggested.

Abstract

Despite the importance of the health construct for nursing, there is not agreement on the nature of health. In this article, various conceptualizations of health are reviewed, the emic-etic distinction between the concepts of disease and illness is delineated, and a new model of health is presented. This model is illustrated with examples from the folk and scientific domains of one cultural group, Greek Americans. Finally, implications for using this model in nursing practice are discussed and research directions are suggested.