4.1.3 Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 1

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 1

This definition assesses mental health in the same way physical health is assessed. Once it is established how individuals should look when they are psychologically healthy (ideal mental health), then those who deviate from this can be identified.

Question 2

What are the 6 characteristics of ideal mental health?

Answer 2

/Positive attitude towards one’s self
/Self actualisation
/Autonomy
/Integration
/Accurate perception of reality
/Environmental mastery

Question 3

Explain positive attitude towards one’s self?

Answer 3

High levels of self-esteem and a strong sense of identity.

Question 4

Explain self actualisation?

Answer 4

Personal growth and development. Developing yourself and achieving the goals you set yourself in life.

Question 5

Explain autonomy?

Answer 5

Autonomy and ability to act independently from others, self-regulation.

Question 6

Explain integration?

Answer 6

Resisting stress and being able to cope in stressful situations.

Question 7

Explain accurate perception of reality?

Answer 7

Having a realistic view of the world and not a distorted view.

Question 8

Explain environmental mastery?

Answer 8

Meeting the demands of the environment and situation you are in, and adapting to this.

Question 9

What are the strengths of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 9

/Holistic
/Comprehensive
/Positive approach
/Consistent

Question 10

Explain how DFIMH is holistic?

Answer 10

This definition looks at the whole person and their behaviour, instead of focusing on singular behaviours, this means it is a holistic approach to diagnosing mental health issues.

Question 11

Explain how DFIMH is comprehensive?

Answer 11

This definition includes a range of reasons as to why individuals may need help with their mental health, it also includes a range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from illness.

Question 12

Explain how DFIMH has a positive approach?

Answer 12

This definition focuses on positive behaviours and what is desirable instead of undesirable behaviours.

Question 13

Explain how DFIMH is consistent?

Answer 13

This definition provides a consistent and standardised measurement for those looking at both positive and negative mental health.

Question 14

What are the limitations of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 14

/Cultural specific
/Over demanding criteria
/Changes over time
/Subjective criteria

Question 15

Explain how DFIMH is culturally specific?

Answer 15

This definition is specific for western cultures, in fact, collectivist cultures would see autonomy as undesirable.

Question 16

Explain how DFIMH has an overdemanding criteria?

Answer 16

This definition does not take into account that the criteria are often hard to achieve constantly or all of the time.

Question 17

Explain how DFIMH changes over time?

Answer 17

This definition does not account for changes over time, behaviours that were once seen as normal are abnormal and vice versa.

Question 18

Explain how DFIMH has subjective criteria?

Answer 18

This definition tries to treat mental health in the same way as physical health, however, mental health is much more subjective and needs to be looked at in the context of the patient.