Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Question 1

Deviation from ideal Mental Health

Answer 1

Under this definition, behaviour is abnormal if it fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological normality. Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health. She identified six characteristics that individuals should exhibit in order to be classed as ‘normal’. An absence of these characteristics indicates that an individual is abnormal. The more criteria individuals fail to meet the more abnormal they are.

Question 2

Marie Jahoda’s six criteria

Answer 2

APPIES

Autonomy - The degree to which an individual is independent of social influences and can make their own decisions

Personal Growth - The extent of an individual’s growth, development or self actualisation. Becoming the type of person that you aim to be

Perception of reality - This is a prime factor whereby mentally healthy people do not distort their perception of reality; they are not too optimistic or pessimistic. They show signs of empathy and social sensitivity to others

Integration - This integrates the criteria of self attitude and personal growth together. The person must be able to cope well with stressful situations and anxiety provoking situations

Environmental mastery - This is the extent to which an individual is successful and well adapted. It includes the ability to love, adequacy at work and play, good interpersonal relations, efficient problem solving and capacity for adjustment

Self Attitudes - High self esteem and a strong sense of identity

Question 3

Advantages of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Answer 3

+ This is a comprehensive criteria for mental health which is based on similar models for physical health. However, mental health may not be the same as physical health.

+ This definition of abnormality is a positive, holistic approach to diagnosis. It focuses on ideal or optimal criteria that we should all aim and strive for in order to be psychologically healthy. It could be seen as a therapeutic goal that humans should strive for and aim to achieve. Self actualisation is a positive trait that every human should try to accomplish if possible.

Question 4

Disadvantages of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Answer 4

• This criteria is very demanding and unrealistic. At any given moment most people do not meet all the ideals. For example, few people experience self-actualisation at all times in their life.
• Many of the criteria, such as self actualisation are vague and difficult to measure and are therefore subjective. How can we tell that someone has reached their full potential?
• The criteria used to judge ideal mental health can be accused of cultural bias. Collectivist cultures (e.g. India and Japan) emphasise communal goals and regard autonomy as undesirable, unlike individualistic cultures (e.g. USA and Germany). Therefore people from these collectivist cultures may be seen as abnormal using the criteria laid down in this definition