The development of health education: an updating of concepts

Abstract

In this article education is defined as a way to promote the development of man as an individual and as part of a complex environment, including the biological, psychological, social, economical and physical aspects that together make up the thread of existence. Scientific information and techniques alone do not change man's life styles. Education as a total task is only accomplished when people acquire new ways of relating to each other, and there is an area for free decisions and choices within a proper frame of valid information, adequate cognitive skills and valid social support. Partial changes in specific aspects of behaviour, without a commitment to a new way of being and a new project of life are not enduring.