Wholeholistic

Wholeholistic is a term used to describe an integrative approach that aims to address all components of a system as interconnected parts of a whole. The concept blends the idea of “whole” with holistic thinking, emphasizing that outcomes arise from the interaction of multiple factors rather than from isolated elements. In practice, wholeholistic approaches seek comprehensive understanding and interventions that span physical, mental, social, environmental, and sometimes spiritual dimensions.

The term does not have a single formal definition or standardized usage. It has appeared in various domains, including health and wellness, education, organizational development, and sustainable design, where practitioners advocate for systemic assessment and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Proponents argue that wholeholistic methods improve relevance and long-term effectiveness by accounting for interdependencies—such as how lifestyle, community context, and ecological factors influence health or learning outcomes.

Compared with traditional holistic approaches, wholeholistic often signals a higher emphasis on completeness and integration across subsystems. However, because the term is not uniformly defined, its meaning can vary by field and author. Critics warn that it can become a catchphrase without clear criteria or measurable standards, risking vague or aspirational use rather than concrete practices.

See also: holistic medicine, systems thinking, integrative health, interdisciplinary approaches.