Deviation from ideal mental health Flashcards
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Perceives mental abnormality in a similar way to perception of physical health and looks for an absence of wellbeing
What are the 6 characteristics Jahoda identified as what is normal and absence of is abnormal?
-Positive view of yourself/strong sense of identity
-Capable of personal growth and self-actualisation
-independent of others and self-regulating
-Accurate view of reality
-Resist stress
-Master your environment
What is an example of deviation from ideal mental health?
Depression illustrates it as they suffer low self-esteem and struggle to make decisions and have high levels of stress
Most of the criteria are culture bound to Western European and North American cultures. Why is this a problem. (Evidence)
In some cultures, the Elders plan the young persons future for them, so it may be regarded as abnormal for them to pursue individual goals.
Most of the criteria are culture bound to Western European and North American cultures. Why is this a problem. (Explain)
Cultural bias in this definition and may therefore only apply to individuals in Western cultures
According to this criteria, most of us are abnormal, Jahoda presented them as ideal criteria and they certainly are. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)
Few people experience personal growth all the time. Therefore, the criteria may be ideals rather than actualities.
According to this criteria, most of us are abnormal, Jahoda presented them as ideal criteria and they certainly are. Why is this a problem? (Explain)
This means that this approach may be an interesting concept but not really useable when it comes to identifying abnormality because the criteria is unrealistic
The definition is very comprehensive. Why is this a strength? (Evidence)
Covers a broad range of criteria for mental health, and therefore most of the reasons why someone would seek help from mental health services
The definition is very comprehensive. Why is this a strength? (Explain)
Definition has practical applications in treatment, by helping people focus on the positive criteria rather than the negative aspects of a mental illness.
Perceptions of reality change over time. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)
Once seeing visions was a positive sign of religious commitment, whilst now it would be perceived as as sign of schizophrenia.
Perceptions of reality change over time. Why is this a problem? (Explain)
The definition may lack temporal validity as it is objective and realistic ideas of the world may change over time.
