Concept of health and disease mnemonic

Dimensions of health

The mnemonic

Physical, Mental, Social, Spiritual

What each word stands for

  • PhysicalBody functioning well
  • MentalEmotional and cognitive wellbeing
  • SocialHealthy relationships and participation in society
  • SpiritualValues and sense of purpose

Why it matters clinically

The WHO definition covers physical, mental and social wellbeing; the spiritual dimension was added later in the broader view of health.

Where it stops being reliable

Other dimensions such as vocational and environmental are also described in textbooks.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Concept of health and disease mnemonic?

Physical, Mental, Social, Spiritual. It helps you recall: Dimensions of health.

What does "Physical" stand for?

Body functioning well

What does "Mental" stand for?

Emotional and cognitive wellbeing

What does "Social" stand for?

Healthy relationships and participation in society

What are all the parts of the Physical, Mental, Social, Spiritual mnemonic?

Physical: Body functioning well; Mental: Emotional and cognitive wellbeing; Social: Healthy relationships and participation in society; Spiritual: Values and sense of purpose.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Concept of health and disease in PSM.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Other dimensions such as vocational and environmental are also described in textbooks.

How is this useful clinically?

The WHO definition covers physical, mental and social wellbeing; the spiritual dimension was added later in the broader view of health.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a PSM question about Concept of health and disease.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.