PUBH6475 Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Module 1 Discussion
Individual Responsibility Versus Victim Blaming in Health Promotion
Health promotion and disease prevention are based on the idea that optimal health should be promoted and disease should be prevented wherever possible. The focus on preventing disease often leads to tension between encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own health, on the one hand, and making them feel as if they are somehow responsible for causing their health condition, on the other hand.
To prepare for this Discussion, review the section “Assumptions of Health Promotion” (pp. 10–11) presented in your course text, and the methods utilized in planning a health promotion program. Consider the assumptions of health promotion on which these methods are based, paying particular attention to assumption #8.
With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3
Post an initial response to the Discussion by responding to the following points:
Describe the challenges that program planners face when trying to promote the idea of personal responsibility for health behavior while also trying to avoid placing the blame on individuals for their health status.
Explain and justify whether you think it is possible to do both
By Day 5
Begin engaging with at least two colleagues by providing additional resources and ideas to further the discussion and support or constructively challenge their stated choices and ideas. Continue to interact frequently with your colleagues through Day 7.
This Discussion will be available from Day 1 through Day 7 of this module. While you are required to submit your initial post by Day 3, you are encouraged to post earlier.
Support your work with specific citations from this module’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Essential Guide to APA Style for Walden Students to ensure that your in-text citations and reference list are correct.