[Learning and coping]

In the course of the last few years, the development of what can be called "modern-day diseases" has revealed the limits of medicine and a system which is primarily curative in nature. The recognition of these limits has launched the search for a new, therapeutic approach to health which is characterized by the modification of the target from the individual to a collectivity and by taking into consideration a true association of the different actors who are legitimate and indispensable partners in health promotion activities. Although this new approach is currently being applied in various ways throughout the world, there are still some unanswered questions: is the scientific foundation adequate? Is the objective of changing lifestyles legitimate? And particularly, are the methods and techniques effective? The answers to these questions inevitably depend on the projected objectives: are we trying to change current lifestyles or do we want to contribute to the process of social change? Evaluating the efficacity of the former does not really pose a problem. In evaluating the efficacity of the latter, on the other hand, it appears difficult to isolate certain environmental factors and identify the resistances which are due to the processes of socialization. It might, in fact, be wise to investigate the extent of necessary changes prior to evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. At any rate, precipitous judgement should be avoided. A slow pace of change can be used as a gauge of depth and durability, and can avoid the extremism of moving from a splintered view of the individual to one that becomes oversocialized.