Definitions Of Abnormality: Deviations From Mental Health Flashcards
Outline the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality
Abnormality is the absence of criteria for good mental health
Jahoda proposed a criteria of optimal living
Jahodas model of mental health where there are 6 characteristics individual should display if they have ideal metal health what are they
- positive attitudes towards the self
- self actualisation
- autonomy
- resistance to stress
- Accurate perception of reality
- environmental mastery
The more criteria that are absent the more serious the abnormality
Positive attitudes towards self
High levels of self-esteem and a strong sense of identity
Knowing where you fit in the world
Self actualisation
Personal growth and development
Developing yourself and achieving the goals you set yourself in life
Autonomy
Autonomy and the ability to act independently from others
Self-regulation
Being able to work on your own and solve problems that may arise
Resistance to stress
Resisting stress and being able to cope in stressful situations
Accurate perception of reality
Having a realistic view of the world and your place in it
Understanding how the world works
Environmental mastery
Adapting and meeting the demands of the environment and situation you are in
The ability to adapt to your different environments and feel at ease in them
Limitation of the sample deviation from ideal mental health.
Prone to culture bias as it emphasises the importance f the individual which is not aligned with attitudes and belief of collectivist cultures
- collectivist cultures operate according to modesty bias this does not align to the ideas of self actualisation
Limitation deviation from ideal mental health
It’s impossible to meet up to to the criteria of ideal mental health
Eg constantly self actualising would be exhausting and may ultimately lead to self doubt and disappointment
So this suggest due to the unrealistic characteristics many people would be classed as deviating from ideal mental health
Strength of the deviation from ideal mental health
Is a holistic measure of abnormality as it takes into account all facets and behaviour of a person
- persons place in the world their lifestyle and their individuality are all components of this measure
Strength of the deviation from ideal mental health
Has useful real world application
Can be used as the basis for therapy and treatments with its empathises in the whole person and on positive mental health and wellbeing
