Health education endeavors to motivate changes in habits and behavior patterns. Such changes are hard fought battles as people hold to habits tenaciously for four reasons. They are deeply rooted in our personality and culture. We do not understand our own culture well nor the origins of our habits. Likewise, we do not understand other’s culture. Finally we don’t know how to communicate. This leaves habits as being difficult to change as part of our misunderstood culture.
Four layers of culture must be understood. First, what is real. This refers to our faith. Second, what is true refers to our beliefs. Third, what is good or bad. These are our values. Finally, what is done. Only here do we see our behaviors that we hope to change from bad habits to good ones.
Behaviors must be recognized as originating in the deeper layers. What individuals and communities value determine behaviors. Some culture value order more than others. The value placed on cleanliness varies. In looking at these values, we should not automatically assign moral qualities to such differences.
Beliefs are not just about religion. Everyone chooses values and behaviors based on what they believe is true. Nearly all value truth but what each culture believes is truth varies. This is demonstrated in the practical outworking of such beliefs versus the theoretical statements one claims.
Faith or one’s view of reality is the central core where everything else starts. Out of this view come beliefs. Then come values. Only on the surface do the behaviors manifest in the physical. To change behaviors, health education must begin with the recipients (or own own) view of reality and work outwards. Only then do we have a hope of changing behaviors.
Dr. Fountain provides some examples. Hookworms in Africa will not be cured until the view of latrines changes. If disease continues to be viewed as coming from spiritual forces rather than sanitation, then latrines will never be important. Regardless of where one is doing health education, understanding of the receiving culture is necessary. One’s own culture must be understood as well.
Thus we can begin behavior change either by aiming directly at the behavior or by transforming the culture from the inner levels. A Biblical approach is evident from Ephesians 4:17-18,22-24. This approach can be looked down upon as changing cultures. However, there is no such thing as value free behavior patterns. Health educators must transmit changes effectively while respecting the recipients integrity. Here is why understanding one’s own culture is critical. If one does not know his or her own culture, they may simply communicate their own culture rather than views, beliefs, and values which preserve other’s integrity. We want to transmit a Biblical view of health, not that of Western culture.
OUTLINE
Goal of health education is to motivate changes in habits and behavior patterns that affect health”
But people hold to habits “tenaciously” for 4 reasons
Habits deeply rooted in personality and culture
We do not understand our own culture very well nor the origins of our own habits
We do not understand other’s culture
We don’t know how to communicate
Habits are hard to change and are part of our culture
4 layers of culture
What is real – faith
What is true – beliefs
What is good or bad – value
What is done – behavior
Behaviors stem from inner layers
What individuals and cultures value determine behaviors
Orderly versus disorderly cultures
Value of cleanliness varies
Should not place moral qualities to such differences
Beliefs are not just about religion
Choose values and behaviors based on what we believe is true
All value truth but what each culture believes is true may be different
Practical versus theoretical beliefs
Faith or view of reality as central core
This is where all else above starts
So to change behaviors
We have to start with view of reality, beliefs, and values
Only then will behaviors change.
Examples
Hookworms in Africa will not be cured
Until view of latrines changes
If disease is viewed as coming from spiritual forces, not sanitation
Then latrines will never be important.
Regardless of where one is doing health education
Understanding of the receiving culture must be understood
As well as one’s own culture
Thus we can begin behavior change
Either by aiming directly at the behavior
Only mildly effective and short lived if no inner aspects conveyed
Or by transforming from the inner circles
Biblical approach in Ephesians 4:17-18, 22-24
This approach can be looked down upon and changing cultures
No such thing as value free behavior patterns
Must transmit changes effectively while respecting recipients integrity
Must begin with understanding our own culture
So know how to communicate
And to avoid communicate only our own culture
Then understand what the Bible says about health.
Read more from Chapter 1 here!
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.