Toward a Uniform Definition of Wellness: A Commentary

• Published in: President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest no. 15
• Main Authors: Corbin, Charles B, Pangrazi, Robert P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 01.12.2001
• Subjects: Definitions; Life Style; Mental Health; Physical Health; Quality of Life; Well Being; Wellness

This report proposes a uniform definition of wellness that refers to wellness as a multidimensional state of being, describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of wellbeing. Several important characteristics included in this definition are: wellness is multidimensional; wellness is a state of being described as positive health; wellness is part of health; wellness is possessed by the individual; quality of life and wellbeing are the descriptors of wellness; and health and its positive component (wellness) are integrated. The report notes that wellness is not the same as physical fitness, is not a form of alternative medicine, and is what one is rather than what one does. Critical issues related to wellness include the need to develop valid and reliable methods of assessing wellness and studying the factors that impact wellness once good measures are established. Implications for professionals include: professional organizations should endorse a uniform definition of wellness, programs of wellness must include more than activity and fitness, and wellness can be a useful term that need not be avoided. (Contains 23 references.) (SM)