Chapter 8: Mental Wellbeing Flashcards
1
Q
Mental wellbeing
Mental health
A
- A psychological state that indicates one’s ability to:
- Think and process information
- Regulate emotions & cope w everyday stresses
- Work productively & develop to their potential
- Dynamic (i.e. ↑ by protective factors and ↓ by risk factors)
2
Q
Functioning
Including characteristics of high and low levels of functioning
A
- How well an individual can perform everyday tasks and independently operate in their environment
- High – productivity, goal setting, independence, etc.
- Low – unproductive (due to uncharacteristic fatigue), lack of direction & goal setting, difficulty coping w change, etc.
3
Q
Resilience
Including characteristics of high and low levels of resilience
A
- Ability to cope with and recover from adversity as well as restore positive functioning
- High – self efficacy, seeking solutions to problems, using appropriate coping strategies, optimism, flexibility, etc.
- Low – unhealthy coping strats, difficulty coping w change
NOTE: Self efficacy refers to one’s belief in their own abilities to accomplish tasks and succeed.
4
Q
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)
In relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
A
- Framework that describes and explains physical, emotional, cultural, social & spiritual wellbeing
- Holistic – considers the WB of individuals & community
- Multidimensional – made up of many diff components
TIP: PECSS.
5
Q
The seven interrelated domains of the SEWB conceptual model
Connection to…
A
-
Body and behaviours (physical HWB)
- Strong & positive connection to physical elements of health
- Considers the importance of optimal bodily functioning
- E.g. good nutrition, managing illness and disability
-
Mind and emotions (mental HWB)
- Managing thoughts and feelings effectively
- Intimately linked with spirituality
- E.g. maintaining self-esteem and confidence
-
Family and kinships
- Maintaining interconnectedness via cultural ties & relationships (provides a sense of belonging)
- E.g. spending time with family and caring for the sick
-
Community
- Connection to communal spaces that allow people to connect, support & work with eachother
- E.g. participating in community services
-
Culture
- Sense of identity via connection to heritage / values
- E.g. knowledge systems, traditions, local languages
-
Country
- Reconnection & renewal by caring for the land
- E.g. only taking what is needed so the land continues to thrive, returning to the land for healing
-
Spirit, spirituality and ancestors
- Interrelationship between Country, human & non-human beings as well as the past, present & future
- E.g. knowing that ancestors watch over them
6
Q
Determinants in the SEWB framework
A
-
Social – growing, living and working conditions
- E.g. SES, poverty, unemployment, discrimination
-
Historical – influence of past events, policies and trauma
- E.g. colonisation, Stolen Generation
-
Political – policies that shape the distribution of power and resources to individuals and communities
- E.g. unresolved issues of land or resources
- Cultural – help maintain strong connections to culture**, strengthen cultural identity & enhance resilience
NOTE: Focus should be placed on cultural determinants, as they are amongst the strongest protective factors.
7
Q
Internal vs external factors that influence behaviour or mental processes
A
-
Internal – originates within a person
- Divided into biological and psychological factors
- E.g. genes, NS functioning (B) / beliefs, attitudes (P)
-
External – originates outside a person
- E.g. school, work, relationships, SES
8
Q
Mental wellbeing continuum
A
- Tool used to track fluctuating mental wellbeing
- Advantages – ↓ stigma, shows improvement / worsening, allows for early signs of mental health problem to be identified
- Disadvantages – unclear when intervention is needed
9
Q
Anxiety
A
- State of psychological & physiological arousal involving feelings of apprehension about a perceived threat
- Future-oriented (worrying about potential future events)
10
Q
Severe anxiety
A
- Involves intense physiological sensations (e.g. sweating) & can affect thoughts, feelings & behaviours
- Can indicate an anxiety disorder if prolonged
11
Q
In what situations is anxiety beneficial or normal?
A
-
Short-term anxiety tends to be an adaptive response
- Physiologically, anxiety is like FFF (↑ alertness)
- Thus, it can be helpful in dangerous situations
-
Mild levels of anxiety ↑ alertness and ability to cope
- E.g. anxiety can prompt us to study for an exam
-
Temporary bursts is normal before certain situations
- E.g. before an oral presentation or a job interview
NOTE: Anxiety should be brief and temporary. Its intensity should be proportional to the significance of the situation.
12
Q
Phobia
A
- Diagnosable anxiety disorder that involves:
- Intense & irrational fear of a specific obj / act / sit
- Compelling desire to avoid the phobic stimulus
- Stress response that is disproportionate to threat posed
- Hindrance to daily functioning
NOTE: Symptoms must persist for ≥ 6 months to be diagnosed.
13
Q
Fear vs phobia
A
-
Fear – adaptive and functional
- Can protect us from harm
- Appropriate / normal response to situation at hand
- Functioning is maintained
-
Phobia – maladaptive and dysfunctional
- Affects daily functioning
14
Q
Adaptive vs maldaptive behaviour
A
-
Adaptive – appropriate, effective behaviour
- Able to adapt appropriately & independently
-
Maladaptive – detrimental, counterproductive
- Interferes with ability to adapt & fulfil role in society
- Aka dysfunctional behaviour (disrupts functioning)
15
Q
Phobic stimulus
A
- Specific object / activity / situation causing the phobia
- Exposure results in a physiological stress response (e.g. ↑ heart rate) due to sympathetic NS dominance
