Holistic Well-being: A Conceptual Discussion

Abstract

Background: Holistic wellbeing is an elusive terminology. Defining such terminology differs according to perspective taken by the expert. Most discussion on the terminology originates from the secular paradigm with various perspectives being proposed. This paper aims to discuss the various secular perspectives and Islamic traditions on holistic wellbeing. Methods: Narrative review methodology was used to identify and summarise articles discussing well-being. A search strategy was constructed pertaining “health”, “well-being”, “holistic”, and “dimension” keywords and its synonyms in several databases. Both cotemporary research articles and Islamic traditions were referred. Focused-group discussions were also arranged to discuss the definitions and any related concepts. Results: A total of 33 articles included in the review related to definitions, dimensions, and inter-relation between dimensions. Contemporary definitions proposed three to five dimensions of health within two perspectives of hedonic and eudaimonic. The Islamic tradition proposed four to five dimensions of health with perspectives of processes and outcome levels. This review proposes a definition based on the Islamic tradition that improves the secular perspectives, consisting of five dimensions that are interrelated and integrated the Islamic worldview.  Conclusion: This proposition is hoped to stimulate further discussion on defining, operationalising, and measuring holistic wellbeing appropriate to the Islamic worldview.