Chapter 10a Flashcards
Protective factors
Influences enabling an individual to promote and maintain high levels of well-being
- reduce risk of low levels of well-being and mental health disorders
- increase likelihood of high levels of well-being
Biological protective factors
Factors involving the body and or brain that can maintain or promote mental well-being
- adequate nutrition and hydration
- sleep
Adequate nutrition and hydration
is when the type and amount of food and drink that an individual consumes meet their physical needs. This can include ensuring that an individual has sufficient water, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral intake.
In terms of nutrition, research tends to indicate that a Mediterranean-style diet, abundant in unprocessed foods, can promote mental wellbeing by reducing the risk of experiencing mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
A Western-style diet, consisting of processed foods and lacking vital nutrients, can impair mental wellbeing by increasing the risk of experiencing mental health disorders
In terms of hydration, it is recommended that individuals drink 2–3 litres of water per day for optimal physiological functioning.
Sleep
is a regular and naturally occurring altered state of consciousness
that involves a loss of awareness and disengagement with internal and external stimuli.
Research suggests there is a link between
poor sleep (sleep deprivation and/or sleep-related problems) and mental illness.
Good sleep is likely to reduce the likelihood of mental health disorders
and promote mental wellbeing, therefore acting as a protective factor.
Psychological protective factors
Influences relating to mental processes that can maintain and promote mental well-being
- cognitive behavioural strategies
- mindfulness meditation
Cognitive behavioural strategies
are techniques that utilise traits of cognitive behavioural therapy, particularly recognising and changing dysfunctional thought and behavioural patterns.
In this way, cognitive behavioural strategies can be used to promote mental wellbeing by acknowledging and changing thoughts and behaviours that impair mental wellbeing.
The cognitive component involves:
– identifying dysfunctional feelings and thoughts (cognitions) about the issue.
– replacing these dysfunctional feelings and thoughts with more functional ones.
The behavioural component involves:
– identifying dysfunctional behaviours relating to the issue.
– developing and maintaining more functional behaviours relating to the issue
Mindfulness meditation
is the practice of meditation in which an individual focuses on their
present experience to promote feelings of calm and peace.
Mindfulness meditation is a specific type of meditation that encourages an individual to pay attention to the present moment, including their current feelings, thoughts, and surroundings.
Additionally, mindfulness
meditation requires an individual to observe their present experience with kindness and
without judgement.
Mindfulness meditation can:
• improve emotional reactivity
• reduce the likelihood of rumination (repeatedly considering negative thoughts)
• reduce stress
• improve memory
Social protective factors
Factors in one’s social environment that can promote and maintain mental well-being
- support
Support
refers to genuine and effective assistance provided by family, friends, and community.
Support can provide comfort and reassurance and can encourage individuals to develop different strategies to promote their mental wellbeing.
In order for support to be effective in promoting mental wellbeing, it is important to ensure that it is authentic and energising.
This means ensuring that the support being provided:
- genuinely aims to promote mental wellbeing
- is focused on creating an environment that is
likely to improve mental wellbeing
- uses legitimate and effective advice
