Definition of abnormality - Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Question 1

What are the 5 criteria for ideal mental health?

Answer 1

Self attitudes
-High self-esteem and
sense of identity

Personal growth and self-actualisation
-extent to which one
develops their full
capabilities

Integration
-e.g being able to cope
with stressful situations

Autonomy
-independant and self
regulating

Having an accurate perception of reality

Mastery of the environment
-being able to love,
function at work, adjust to
new situations and solve
problems

Question 2

AO3 -

Unrealistic criteria

Answer 2

According to this criteria, most people would be ‘abnormal’

These criteria are IDEAL, but not realistic

Most of the population would be ‘abnormal’ which cannot be true

Question 3

AO3 +

Positive approach

Answer 3

This definition focusses on positives rather than negatives

-focuses on what is ‘ideal’ and desirable, rather than what is undesirable

Positive outlook is good for improving people, not degrading them