Pender defines health as what type of state?

Pender's definition of health is centered around the concept of it being a positive high-level state, which emphasizes the importance of well-being rather than merely the absence of disease. This perspective aligns with a holistic view of health, recognizing that individuals experience health as an active process filled with potential for growth, fulfillment, and optimal functioning.

By framing health as a positive high-level state, Pender encourages a proactive approach to health management, where individuals are seen as active participants in their own well-being. This perspective is foundational in health promotion, which aims not just to treat illness but to enhance quality of life and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Other concepts such as low-level states or static conditions imply a limited understanding of health, while transitional phases between illness and wellness can denote a temporary status rather than a sustainable, aspirational state of being. Pender's view moves beyond these limited definitions to promote a more empowering and optimistic vision of health.