Enabling well-being in a time of radical change: integrative public health for the 21st century

Hanlon, P., Carlisle, S., Reilly, D., Lyon, A. and Hannah, M. (2010) Enabling well-being in a time of radical change: integrative public health for the 21st century. Public Health, 124(6), pp. 305-312. (doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2010.03.014)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

We live in a rapidly changing world; one where existing models for and approaches to health appear to deliver diminishing returns, whilst new public health challenges emerge. This paper outlines an integrative approach to such challenges. Integral theory suggests that key dimensions of human experience, frequently presented in opposition to each other (e.g. subjective–objective; individual–collective), need to be understood as integral to the whole. This is relevant to the public health community because powerful forces within neglected dimensions can undermine or destroy our efforts in other dimensions. This is illustrated in this paper by focusing on the issue of well-being, which illustrates the interconnected ways in which people in affluent societies can suffer from particular problems arising in such society and contribute to broader, global problems. The integral framework is used to show how a more integrative approach to such challenges can transcend some neglected blind-spots within public health. It is argued that public health leaders and practitioners need to apply integrative forms of thinking to their own practice in order to respond more effectively to the complexity of contemporary public health problems.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hanlon, Professor Phil and Reilly, Dr David and Carlisle, Dr Sandra
Authors: Hanlon, P., Carlisle, S., Reilly, D., Lyon, A., and Hannah, M.
Subjects:R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Public Health
ISSN:0033-3506
ISSN (Online):1476-5616
Published Online:30 April 2010

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record