Introducing Existential Health

Introducing Existential Health unfolds this evolving concept and places it in the context of common understandings of health. It presents existential health as a vital dimension in understanding human well-being, complementing the traditional biopsychosocial model. It critiques reductionist and mechanistic views of health and showcases a new four- dimensional model in healthcare practice and design that integrates biological, psychological, social, and existential dimensions. Presented as a valid alternative to the biopsychosocial model, it provides modern system thinking and a holistic understanding centred around meaning and the first- person perspective to give a voice to intersectional discourses and encourage equality in health.

The book traces the historical evolution of health understandings, highlighting the gaps in addressing subjective and existential perspectives. It examines existential health through various lenses, including meaning- making, subjective experiences, and empirical correlations with other dimensions of health. Practical applications are discussed, emphasising the role of existential health in prevention, chronic disease management, and end-of-life care. The book also advocates for educational reforms to include training in existential health approaches and holistic care. By enriching the language and frameworks for existential health, this book aims to inspire a cultural shift in healthcare towards a more integrative and person-centred paradigm.

The book is intended for all health professionals interested in the quality of healthcare in modern society and for health education. The models presented in the book are of a heuristic nature, suitable for reflection, discussion, and teaching about health. It is also valuable reading for researchers in academic health professions and those in the development of health politics, searching for arguments and stepping stones for a more holistic health perspective.

Peter la Cour is from Denmark, works as a clinical health psychologist, and holds a time-limited position as professor adjunct at MF, Oslo Norway. His PhD was in psychology of religion, and he been a part of a Norwegian research network now called "Research center for existential health" for the past 15 years.