Health and wellness is multi-faceted, going beyond strictly “medical” concerns. This research paper assignment is designed to help you develop a deeper and fuller understanding of a protective factor of health.
Page 11 of your textbook lists 21 protective factors of health, quality of life, functional independence, and well-being.
Choose one of these factors to explore. Your research paper should answer the two-fold question: “(1) What constitutes [name of factor here] and (2) how does this factor influence health and well-being?”
Decreased use of tobacco and drugs
Regular physical activity
Balanced nutritional intake
Positive mental health
Safe sexual activity
Provision of preventative services
Access to culturally appropriate health services
Community participation in the planning and delivery of health services
Participation in civic activities and social engagement
Strong social networks
Feeling of trust
Feeling of power and control over life decisions
Supportive family structure
Positive self-esteem
Safe physical environments
Supportive economic and social conditions
Regular supply of nutritious food and water
Restricted access to tobacco and drugs
Healthy public policy and organizational practice
Provision for meaningful, paid employment
Provision of affordable housing
