What is an example of pervasive?

September 22, 2025 •

2 min read

According to linguists, the word "pervasive" is often used to describe things, especially negative ones, that are present or felt throughout every part of a place or system. To truly grasp its meaning, exploring what is an example of pervasive can illustrate how widespread phenomena impact various aspects of health and society.

Quick Summary

A pervasive phenomenon is one that spreads throughout and affects many parts of an area, system, or person's life, with a notable health example being a widespread feeling of anxiety or a societal issue like systemic inequality impacting wellness. It is characterized by its broad, infiltrating influence rather than being localized or temporary.

Key Points

Deep Influence: Pervasive describes something that deeply infiltrates and influences every part of a system or life, not just its surface.
Mental Health: Chronic conditions like pervasive anxiety are classic examples, as they affect many aspects of a person's life, including social, work, and physical health.
Societal Impact: Systemic issues, such as ingrained inequality, can have a pervasive negative effect on the health and well-being of entire populations.
Technology's Reach: Modern technology has a pervasive influence, with both positive and negative consequences for health, affecting everything from access to care to mental wellness.
Historical Context: The term Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) was historically used in psychology to describe conditions with widespread impacts on development.
Beyond 'Common': Pervasive is different from merely 'prevalent,' emphasizing the extensive, permeating influence rather than just its common occurrence.

Understanding the Meaning of Pervasive

The term “pervasive” describes something present throughout a particular environment, concept, or system. It deeply influences its context. While often negative, like corruption, it can also be neutral, such as the pervasive nature of technology.

Pervasive Influences in Health and Well-being

In health, a pervasive condition extends its influence across multiple domains of a person's life.

Mental Health Examples

Many mental health conditions, like persistent anxiety, can be pervasive. Pervasive anxiety affects various aspects of daily existence, impacting social life, work performance, personal relationships, and physical health.

Systemic Societal Issues

Pervasive issues can also be societal or systemic, with implications for public health. An example is the pervasive impact of systemic inequality on health outcomes. Discriminatory practices within institutions result in health disparities for marginalized populations, including higher rates of chronic diseases, worse mental health, and reduced life expectancy.

Technology's Pervasive Role in Modern Health

Technology, like social media, has a pervasive influence on mental health, contributing to anxiety and low self-esteem. Conversely, technology has also created a pervasive network of health information and services, increasing access to care.

The Historical Context of 'Pervasive' in Clinical Diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously used the term Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) for conditions like autism. This term highlighted that these conditions caused severe, far-reaching impairments in social interaction and communication development.

For an official understanding of the historical classification of these developmental disorders, you can consult resources from the American Psychological Association.

Pervasive vs. Prevalent vs. Systemic: A Comparison


Term	Definition	Key Distinction	Example
Pervasive	Spreading throughout and affecting all parts of something	Indicates a deep, widespread influence or integration	A pervasive sense of unease felt throughout a society
Prevalent	Commonly occurring or widespread in a particular area	Focuses on frequency and commonness, not necessarily depth	Obesity is a prevalent health issue in many countries
Systemic	Relating to a system as a whole	Describes something embedded in the system's structure	Systemic racism in the healthcare system

Conclusion: The Broader Implications

To answer what is an example of pervasive, one must consider deep, widespread influence. Whether a chronic mental health condition, systemic societal issue, or technology transforming daily interactions, a pervasive element is one that is everywhere and influences everything it touches. Recognizing this allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex problems and their widespread effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While often used to describe negative things like corruption or pollution, the term can also be neutral. For example, the pervasive presence of smartphones has both positive and negative consequences, depending on the context.

Pervasive indicates something that has spread widely throughout a system, affecting many parts. Systemic refers to something that is embedded within the structure of the system itself. A systemic issue, like a policy that creates inequality, would have a pervasive effect throughout society.

A problem is likely pervasive if it is not isolated to a single event or area but instead appears in multiple, interconnected aspects of a situation. For example, if low morale affects not just one team but permeates the entire company, it is pervasive.

A pervasive idea is one that is widely held and influences a culture. An example is the idea of "instant gratification" in modern society, which is pervasive and influences everything from consumer spending habits to how people communicate.

Yes, an odor that spreads throughout an entire building or area can be described as pervasive. This is a simple, tangible example of the term in action, as the smell literally "spreads through" everything.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) was a historical diagnostic category used to describe conditions like autism that caused severe and widespread developmental impairments in areas like communication and social interaction. The term emphasized the far-reaching nature of the condition's effects.

Addressing a pervasive issue typically requires a multi-faceted approach. Because the problem is deeply embedded, it requires more than a single solution. Efforts must be made on multiple fronts, often involving systemic change rather than just isolated remedies.