What does health involve according to the Theory of Interpersonal Relationships?

The Theory of Interpersonal Relationships emphasizes that health is not merely the absence of illness or disease, but rather a dynamic process involving the growth and development of an individual’s personality and relationships with others. This perspective highlights the importance of ongoing interactions in a social context and the continual evolution of human experiences.

Central to this theory is the idea that health encompasses emotional and psychological well-being, as well as the ability to engage positively with oneself and others. It recognizes that personal development and the quality of interpersonal connections are crucial for achieving overall health. In this sense, the forward movement of personality refers to the progression and enhancement of an individual's character, skills, and social roles as they engage with their environment and relationships.

This holistic view contrasts with other options: focusing only on physical well-being, the absence of disease, or conforming to social norms fail to capture the complexity of health as defined by this theory. Health, from this perspective, is an active and evolving state rather than just a static condition.