Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Describe health as a state of complete physical, mental and social…
Full specification wording
Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines: 5.1 Describe health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 21
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This means a person free of disease is not automatically healthy: they must also feel well physically, be well mentally, and have positive social well-being such as supportive relationships and a safe environment. Conversely, someone with a managed condition can still enjoy good health in this broad sense. The definition has three linked components, and a correct answer must include all three and the contrast with simply lacking disease. In a multiple-choice question, look for the option that names physical, mental and social well-being together and rejects the idea that health equals only the absence of disease.
What earns the marks
- Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.
- The definition includes all three components: physical, mental and social well-being.
- Health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
- The definition is attributed to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- A person without disease may still not be healthy if their mental or social well-being is poor.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Choosing an option that defines health only as the absence of disease.
Put it right by recalling that the WHO definition requires complete physical, mental and social well-being.
Selecting an option that names only physical well-being.
Put it right by checking that mental and social well-being are also included.
Assuming a person with a long-term condition cannot be healthy.
Put it right by recognising that health is broader than the absence of disease and includes well-being.
Exam tips
- Read every option fully and eliminate any that mention only one or two of the three components.
- Look for the option that includes the phrase 'not merely the absence of disease or infirmity'.
- Check the attribution: the definition is from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines: 5.1 Describe health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
According to the World Health Organization definition, health is best described as which of the following?
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