'Deviation from ideal mental health' Definition

Question 1

Definition of ‘deviation from ideal mental health’.

Answer 1

Jahoda defines ‘normal’ mental health characteristics.

Abnormality is seen as anything which deviates from these characteristics.

Example: depression, hallucinations, anxiety

Question 2

What is the general rule for Jahoda’s checklist?

Answer 2

The more of these you have, the more ‘normal’ you are considered.

Question 3

What are the 6 point of Jahoda’s checklist?

Answer 3

1) Positive attitude towards the self.
2) Potential for growth and development.
3) Autonomy. (independence)
4) Resistance to stress. (hardiness)
5) Accurate perception to reality.
6) Environmental mastery. (ability to cope with a new environment)

Question 4

What is the first limitation of ‘deviation from ideal mental health’?

Answer 4

Overdemanding (unrealistic) criteria.

Most people cannot meet the demand of Jahoda’s checklist (therefore if you can you are abnormal?)

Also it is Jahoda’s subjective criteria.

Question 5

What is the second limitation of ‘deviation from mental health’ as a definition for abnormality?

Answer 5

Changes over time.

Example: Seeing spirits = hallucinations now, god-like worship before.

Example: Homosexuality was a mental illness 50 years ago.

Question 6

What is the third limitation of ‘deviation from mental health’?

Answer 6

Cultural relativism.

Independence is seem as abnormal within collectivist societies (so this definition cannot be generalised to these cultures).

Also mental health criteria varies across cultures.

  Example: certain phobias are recognised in certain cultures only. E.G. arachnophobia UK vs AU. Koro in S.E Asia.