Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2021 Jun 24;165.
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
[Article in Dutch] M H N Schermer, H E van der Horst
PMID: 34346653
'Positive health' is a new concept that arose in response to shortcomings in the broad WHO definition of health. It has similarities with earlier holistic health concepts. The question is what 'positive health' adds for medical practice. On the one hand, the concept rightly emphasizes the gradual and dimensional character of health and the importance of (appealing to) people's resilience. On the other hand, there are also disadvantages. The comprehensive nature of the concept can lead to medicalization of social- and life-problems, and the emphasis on adaptation and self-management can contribute to individualization of health. In practice, the concept offers starting points for health policy and can promote cooperation across borders. For doctor and patient, the question is whether the concept adds much to, for example, the biopsychosocial model. The focus on resilience is a positive innovation, but it does not remove practical obstacles to a broad view of health.
