Toward new approaches for exercise behavior change and health promotion

Differences notwithstanding, the majority of health promotion and exercise behavior-change strategies appear to share identifiable assumptions and characteristics. Most can be aligned with what is called a human capital model, manifesting the model's language and root metaphors, implicit rules, power relationships, and bureaucratic organizational forms. This human capital model is analyzed and connected with evidence regarding health promotion and exercise behavior-change strategies. Evidence is also presented suggesting its limitations, and constructive criticism is offered. An alternative, one called a human development-potential perspective, is provided. Contrasting its features with the conventional assumptions of a human capital model, needs for, and values of, health promotion and exercise behavior-change strategies are indicated that are framed within this human development-potential perspective. Here, health is broadly framed in socioecological terms, and its benefits are not merely economic (e.g., reduced health care costs, increased productivity), but moral and sociocultural as well. In brief, a human development-potential perspective not only helps individuals, but also promises enhanced societal well-being.