An Integral Model of Well-Being and Development and Its Implications for Helping Professions

Abstract

This article describes a dieoretical construct that serves as a framework for anti-oppression social transformation work in Latino communities. The authors present an integral model that considers the structures and processes of individual well-being within the context of and in relationship to collective development. With this model as a baseline for a critical analysis of current realities, the authors also examine the forces that hinder individual and collective well-being, particularly, institutional oppression: racism, colonialism, classism, and other “isms.” Based on the belief that institutional oppression robs both oppressor and the oppressed of their humanity, the authors provide an overview of a transformative process model. Implications of the model for the development of professional selves among social workers, counselors, and other helping professionals in relationship to the communities they serve are discussed. Broader applications of the model to other practices of the helping professions are also presented.

Key Words:

• Well-being
• development
• culture
• Latinos