Wellness From The Perspective Of Malay Muslim Adults In Malaysia

The purpose of this study was to explore Malay Muslim adults in
Malaysia, their understanding on the concept of wellness. Using
a qualitative design, data were collected through the use of semistructured interviews with fourteen Malay Muslim adults between
the ages of 21 to 60. Analysis of data from these interviews utilized
the constant-comparative method. The findings showed that from the
perspective of the participants as a whole, wellness is maintaining
a good relationship with self, Allah and others. Aspects of wellness
include physical, food and nutrition, psychological, financial,
occupational, spiritual, social, environmental, and cultural
domains. There was similarity in the view of the nature of wellness as
multidimensional and encompassing the whole person. The findings
highlight that the participants’ conceptualization of wellness relates
to the Malay Muslims’ cultural background. This cultural uniqueness
should be translated into a wellness-based counseling strategy for
this specific ethnic group. This study also shows the importance of
considering multicultural factors in understanding and dealing with
a client. Recommendations and limitations are also discussed