Kenyon Office of Environmental Health & Safety


Six Dimensions of Health

Background

Health is complex and involves the interaction of variegated factors. In 1948, the World Health Organization wanted parameters to measure the functionality of an individual. The first three identified barometers include the physical, the social, and the mental constructs. Later, the emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions are added to the list.


The Six Dimensions of Health
Physical
 ability of human body structure to function properly
Social
 ability to interact with other individuals
Mental
 ability to process information and act properly
Emotional
 ability to cope, adjust, and adapt
Spiritual
 belief in some force or dynamic other than humans
Environmental
 comprised of
  • external: one's surroundings, (e.g., habitat, occupation) and 
  • internal: a individuals internal structure (e.g., genetics)