Definitions of Abnormality: ‘Deviation from Ideal Mental Health’

Question 1

what is meant by deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 1

DIMH definition does not define abnormality directly but, instead, it attempts to define the criteria required for normality (ideal mental health) and it is people who lack these criteria for mental health who are classed as abnormal

Jahoda (1958) identified a list of six ‘characteristics for optimal living’ which a psychologically healthy individual should possess:
- autonomy
- perception of reality
- resistance to stress
- mastery of the environment
- self attitudes
- self actualisation and personal growth

The fewer of these qualities you have, the more abnormal you are seen to be.

Question 2

who proposed the six characteristics for optimal living

Answer 2

Jahoda (1958)

Question 3

outline the six characteristics for optimal living

Answer 3

1. Autonomy - They should function as independent individuals
2. Perception of Reality - They should be able to ‘see the world as it is
3. Resistance to stress - Being able to cope with stressful situations
4. Mastery of the environment - The ability to adjust to new situations; (e.g. at work and in relationships with others)
5. Self-attitudes - High self-esteem and a strong sense of self-identity
6. Self-actualisation and personal growth - Being focused on the future and on fulfilling their full potential

Question 4

outline DIMH definition

Answer 4

DIMH definition does not define abnormality directly but, instead, it attempts to define the criteria required for normality (ideal mental health) and it is people who lack these criteria for mental health who are classed as abnormal

Jahoda (1958) identified a list of six ‘characteristics for optimal living’ which a psychologically healthy individual should possess:

1. Autonomy - They should function as independent individuals
2. Perception of Reality - They should be able to ‘see the world as it is
3. Resistance to stress - Being able to cope with stressful situations
4. Mastery of the environment - The ability to adjust to new situations; (e.g. at work and in relationships with others)
5. Self-attitudes - High self-esteem and a strong sense of self-identity
6. Self-actualisation and personal growth - Being focused on the future and on fulfilling their full potential

The fewer of these qualities you have, the more abnormal you are seen to be

eg, depression

Question 5

Evaluate DIMH definition
- STRENGTHS

Answer 5

P: offers a positive perspective on mental health
E: focuses on the positives (the desirable behaviours) rather than the negatives (the undesirable behaviours)
E: eg, it sets out criteria we should all aspire to achieve in order to be psychologically
whole
L: might provide a useful focus for
those with mental disorders trying to improve their mental health

Question 6

Evaluate DIMH definition
- LIMITATIONS

Answer 6

P: the characteristics are too idealistic
E: the criteria for optimal living are set too high
E: Evidence to support this comes from Maslow (1968) who argued that only a few people ever progress through the hierarchy of needs to achieve ‘self- actualisation
L: DIMH would consider most of us to be deviating based on the high requirements of this definition

P: culturally biased (ethnocentric)
E: the criteria may be based on and limited to one culture
E: eg, they can be seen as reflecting Western, individualist culture (e.g. Britain and North America) which place an emphasis on independence and individual needs and not collectivist cultures (e.g. China and India) which place more importance on the needs of the group
L: healthy cultures may be seen as ‘abnormal’ using this definition

P: requires a subjective judgement on how many criteria need to be lacking before we are seen as abnormal
E: left down to individual psychiatrists to judge whether someone is abnormal enough to be diagnosed and this could lead to inconsistency
E: eg, one psychiatrist might diagnose a person lacking one of the criteria whereas another psychiatrist may not see this as enough
L: lower the reliability of the definition and reduce its objectivity