ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of emotional health on overall well-being. It begins by exploration of emotional health by examining four models used in research and practice in the field of health psychology: the biomedical model, the biopsychosocial model, the wellness model, and the ecological model. The chapter examines a new topic called positive psychology. Positive psychology proposes that to understand human outcomes and examine all contributing factors, positive and negative. The chapter explains a sample of traditional medicines, including Chinese traditional medicine, folk medicines that include curanderismo and sangoma, and a brief overview of Native American healing practices. The biopsychosocial model was the first to include psychological and social determinants as contributors to health outcomes. The biopsychosocial model proposes that biological, psychological and social factors contribute to overall well-being. The wellness model includes two additional dimensions: spiritual health and perceived quality of life as essential to overall well-being.
