Values Education in Health

Introduction

Individuals differentiate themselves from one another not only through their physical appearance but also through their beliefs, thoughts, and actions. Values are crucial in shaping our interactions with the social environment and influencing our behaviors. They guide our attitudes and actions, helping us determine what is right and good. Our values significantly determine how we communicate in our relationships with society (Mintz, 2018). As a result, values and the core beliefs that influence our behaviors emerge as the most important factors guiding our attitudes.

Values also shape our preferences, habits, and attitudes related to health, thus closely influencing our health behaviors. Individuals who value health may prioritize their well-being by engaging in regular physical activity, adopting balanced eating habits, and sharing health-related information and resources with others. If a person's values are based on virtues such as prioritizing health, helping others, and sharing, they will likely be inclined to assist in health emergencies or when others face health problems. Conversely, if an individual's values focus on individual success and competition rather than health, they may adopt a competitive approach to their health behaviors. Such individuals may focus on optimizing their health and compete by setting health-related goals. They may adopt a competitive attitude while taking steps related to their health and try to succeed in sports or exercise (Cass et al., 2020). Individuals' health behaviors are shaped by decisions and actions based on their values.

The cultural patterns of society influence values and can evolve, develop, and be reinforced over time within the prevailing environment (Ratnawat, 2018). The cultural patterns of society have a significant impact on individuals' attitudes, beliefs, preferences, and values. The visible aspect of this relationship is reflected in individuals' choices and behaviors. However, individuals' internalized values, beliefs, and norms influence the formation of these behaviors and preferences. Bertsch (2009) suggests that attitudes and behaviors resulting from cultural variances essentially manifest internalized values in the context of addressing problems. Consequently, values themselves are not directly observable; instead, their significance is derived from the choices and actions of individuals (see Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Culture’s cycle

Source: Bertsch (2009)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 2023a). This definition highlights the multidimensional nature of health, with particular dimensions that cannot be fully measured. An individual's health status is influenced by various factors, including their physical, social, and economic environment and their characteristics and values. Consequently, some health factors are within individuals' control, while others are beyond their control. Gender, genetic traits, education level, employment status, working conditions, and cultural background are among the factors that determine an individual's health status (Committee, 1998; WHO, 2017).

Cultural factors, such as customs, traditions, and the beliefs and values of individuals, families, and communities, significantly shape decision-making and practices related to health. Different cultural groups may assign distinct meanings and values to health. When individuals face circumstances beyond their control, whether socially, environmentally, or culturally, addressing societal expectations and needs can involve providing opportunities for individuals to take responsibility and modify their behavior (Gonzalez & Birnbaum-Weitzman, 2020; Nurse Key, 2017).

This section offers suggestions for behavior changes related to oral health, physical activity, healthy eating, substance use, sexual health, mental health, and other topics. It takes into consideration the role of values in influencing health behaviors.