Summary

Introduction. Health as the primary value ranked highly in a hierarchy of values of individuals or social groups is a signifi cant decision element which is the basis for making choice of behaviours related with human lifestyle. The references report that each of the recognized and valued goods has a defi nite role in a decision process of a person, which is mainly related with meta-decision function, under the frames of which the value becomes a reference point, particularly in confl icting situations, being the crucial factor in realization of a given activity. The appreciated good can also stimulate for the realisation of defi nite behaviours, give a meaning to activities, direct and formulate the scope of activities. It is thus the element of motivation.

Aim. The aim of the present research is to identify the respondents’ opinion on the role of health played in their lives. Also some problems related with their everyday lifestyle, illustrating the health-lifestyle relationship, were presented. This relationship was analysed in the context of positive or adverse infl uence on health status of individuals.

Materials and methods. The research comprised a group of 118 families. The empirical material were the replies to the questions included in a questionnaire and concerned the discussed problems. The three independent variables were considered: place of residence (town, village), material situation assessment (positive, negative) and the education level (primary, higher).

Słowa kluczowe: health value, motywacja, styl życia, wartość zdrowia, motivation, lifestyle