Defintions Of Abnormality - Deviation From Ideal Mental Health Flashcards
What is the description of deviation from ideal mental health?
Under this definition, rather than defining what is abnormal, we define what is normal/ideal and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal
What are the 6 criteria set out be Jahoda?
Positive attitudes towards the self Self actualisation of ones potential Resistance to stress Personal autonomy Accurate perceptions of reality Adapting to the environment
What does positive attitudes towards the self mean?
Having high self esteem and a strong sense of identity
What does self actualisation of ones potential mean?
The extent to which an individual develops their full capabilities
What does resistance to stress mean?
Such as being able to cope with stressful situations
What does personal autonomy mean?
Being independent and self regulating
What does accurate perception of reality mean?
Having an accurate perception of reality and the things in the environment
What does adapting to the environment mean?
The ability to love, function and work, adjust to new situations and solve problems
Give two negative evaluation points about using deviation from ideal mental health as a way of defining abnormalities?
According to the criteria most of us are abnormal (how many do we need to be lacking?)
Suggests mental health is the same as physical health, (mental health doesn’t always have a physical cause so how would we diagnose mental abnormality?)
Give two positive evaluation points on deviation from ideal mental health as a way of defining abnormalities
It focuses on the positives rather than the negatives & focuses on what is desirable rather than undesirable
It is comprehensive, it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health, the sheer range of factors discussed in jahodas criteria make it a good way of thinking about mental health
