Bio-medical Ontologies Maintenance and Change Management

Completing the Total Wellbeing Puzzle Using a Multi-agent System 285
people tend to have better mental health [21]. It has been shown that the physically
active people have scores for positive self-concept, more self-esteem and
more positive "moods" and "affects." For this reason, physical activity has been
successfully used as a non-pharmacological treatment for depression [22, 23]. Additionally,
physical activity may reduce the symptoms of anxiety, improve social
skills and cognitive functioning, and be a beneficial adjunct for alcoholism and
substance abuse programs [24].
3.2 Financial, Physical and Mental Health
Studies of the Data from the National Health Interview Survey, the National Survey
of Families and Households, the Survey of Income and Program Participation
indicate that increases in income significantly improve mental and physical
health [27]. However, the same study claims that increases in income increase the
prevalence of alcohol consumption which in its turn may be damaging to mental
and physical health. Cross-national comparison studies have exposed the evidence
for positive relationship between per capita income and health [25]. They
report an elevated level of wellbeing from countries high in per capita income.
Positive relationship between happiness and per capita income has emerged from
a comparison study from seven parts of the world [26]. However, inconsistencies
in the data were also evident. For example, Latin America scored almost as high
as Western Europe, which has more than double the Latin American per capita
income. We conclude that even though financial factors play a large role in total
wellbeing, there are other factors which play a significant part in contributing to
total wellbeing.
3.3 Social, Physical and Mental Health
Prospective studies exposed the evidence that persons with unhealthy social relationships
have increased risk of death [28]. Similar results have been obtained
through experimental and quasi-experimental studies of humans and animals.
While House et al. [28] report increased mortality rate in isolated individuals and
Kawachi & Berkman [29] highlight beneficial roles of social ties play on the mental
wellbeing, not all relationships are beneficial. Some relationships are destructive
and it is better to avoid them. Again we notice bidirectional relationship between
the two different dimensions, namely, between social relationships and health.
Rolland [30] studies effect of illness or disability on a couple's relationship. Such
situations often put the relationship out of balance and consequently result in dysfunctional
relationship patterns.
3.4 Emotions, Physical and Mental Health
The effect of emotions on physical health has also been examined. Evidence had
been exposed that the emotional stress such as anxiety has a negative impact on
immunity [31]. Another study has found anxiety to be a significant and independent
predictor of cardiovascular disease [32]. Dr Colbert [33] defines the destructive
emotions in terms of their origin, nature and manifestations. He also explains