The indivisible self represents a wellness model helpful to understanding clients. It is
based upon a holistic and strengths-based approach. Myers and Sweeney (2005) developed
an assessment tool to measure individual wellness. For the purposes of this text, we
present the concepts that explain their wellness model. The model incorporates three
levels of factors to describe the many ways individuals exhibit well-being. The mid-level
includes five factors that describe important aspects of human life (Myers & Sweeney,
2005).
The Creative Self. The creative self helps each of us define our unique place or
perspective. This uniqueness becomes obvious as we relate to others and as we describe
our personal experiences. Five factors of thinking, emotions, control, work, and positive
humor comprise the Creative Self. This aspect of wellness represents the interrelationship
between emotions, physical health, and cognition. In addition, a sense of control over
one’s life; humor; emotional, cognitive, and physical expression allowing us to retain a
positive orientation under adversity; and work provide meaning to individual lives.
Coping Self. Leisure, stress management, self-worth, and realistic beliefs comprise the
coping self. The primary focus of the coping self is to help individuals survive, and in fact
thrive, during and through life’s challenges. Theorists view leisure as a creative outlet for
coping, while a sense of self-worth and assuming realistic beliefs provide a cognitive
orientation for mastering difficult situations. Finally, stress management, or handling of
life’s problems, provides the foundation for growth and development.
The Social Self. Myers and Sweeney (2005) characterize the social self as relationships
and connections with friends and family. Hence, friendship and love are the factors that
enhance the value of life and longevity. These two factors counter feelings of alienation,
isolation, and separation from others, while providing well-being over the life span.
The Essential Self. The focus of the essential self-centers around the search for meaning(s)
for individual lives and includes present contributions and legacy. It encompasses
meaning. Factors associated with the essential self are spirituality, gender identity, cultural
identity, and self-care. While spirituality represents the search for meaning, gender and
cultural identity affect the worldview and an individual’s perceptions of his or her place.
Self-care includes an active commitment to wellness and well-being and recognizes
individual responsibility in making positive choices to achieve meaning.
The Physical Self. For individuals to reach wellness, the physical aspects of the human
body need good nutrition and exercise. Both factors support present good health and
longevity. Next, let’s look at an additional way to look at client strengths.
MBS Direct: An Introduction to Human Services (vitalsource.com).
