Authors: Christopher, Suzanne¹; Christopher, John Chambers²; Dunnagan, Tim³

Source: American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 24, Number 5, September 2000 , pp. 338-348(11)

Publisher: PNG Publications

Abstract:

Objective: To discuss the impact of culture on the development and utilization of psychological well-being questions embedded in Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs). Methods: Using one HRA as a case study, an interpretive-hermeneutic metatheory is employed to situate these questions in cultural and historical context and indicate their underlying individualistic ideology. Results: HRA question development and client feedback are largely shaped by Western concepts of individualism, which do not consider the cultural perspective of collectivist societies. Conclusion: Culture determines how we define, think about, and understand health. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of culture's impact on health research and practice.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.24.5.2

Affiliations: 1: Community Health, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. 2: Counseling Psychology, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. 3: Health Promotion, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.

Publication date: 2000-09-01

More about this publication?

• The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.
  
  The Journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of personal attributes, personality characteristics, behavior patterns, social structure, and processes on health maintenance, health restoration, and health improvement; to disseminate knowledge of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing effective health programs; and to showcase health behavior analysis skills that have been proven to affect health improvement and recovery.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Review Board
• Reprints and Permissions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Medicine (General) ,  Public Health ,  Psychology/Psychiatry
• By this author: Christopher, Suzanne ;  Christopher, John Chambers ;  Dunnagan, Tim

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers