L4: Definition Of Abnormality- Deviation From Ideal Mental Health By Marie Jahoda

Question 1

Where does deviation from ideal mental health stem from?

Answer 1

This stems from the Humanist approach, this focuses on motivation and self development. Maslow created the hierarchy of needs where humans need basic needs met first.

Question 2

Extended AO1 for deviation from ideal mental health definition

Answer 2

• abnormality is related to contended existence so people who deviate from this can be classed as abnormal

Question 3

What is self actualisation?

Answer 3

Humans should strive to reach their full potential. Normal people would try to accomplish reasonable goals to reach their full potential. Anyone who fails to achieve their goals ormolu the necessary criteria can be classed as abnormal.

Question 4

What was Jahoda’s idea?

Answer 4

She wanted to focus on 6criteria that is needed for someone to have positive mental health and being normal because the concept of abnormal and normal was too vague for her. Alright jahoda 🙄

Question 5

What are the 6 categories in Jahoda’s list? What is the necessary requirement for someone to be normal?

Answer 5

APPIES
-Autonomy
-Perception of reality (not distorted, not too pessimistic or optimistic)
-Personal growth (reaching towards self actualisation)
-Integration (coping with day to day stress)
-Environmental Mastery (how adapted someone is to life, work, relationships etc)
Self-attitude (high self-esteem and strong identity)

For someone to be classes as ‘normal’ they must meet all 6 of these criteria at all times.

Question 6

Evaluation(+) - productive

Answer 6

This model is positive and productive. Focuses on optimal criteria we should all strive to meet to be psychologically healthy, these traits are something everyone should aspire to have

Question 7

Evaluation(+)- highlighting areas of dysfunction

Answer 7

If someone is not meeting certain criteria, this can be highlighted so the patient knows what to work on and improve which is important when treating different types of disorders. E.g. someone who is not meeting the self-attitudes criteria may be suffering from depression, highlighting this target of dysfunction to the patient and psychologist.

Question 8

Evaluation(-) - problematic

Answer 8

This is problematic due to the fact that these criteria are abstract concepts, how much environmental mastery or self attitudes do we need to be classed as psychologically healthy? At what point is behaviours classed as not meeting criteria? This model lacks being scientific and objective.

Question 9

Evaluation(-) - achieving all 6

Answer 9

It is very difficult for anyone to achieve all 6 of these criteria all at once all the time. Many of us would be classed as abnormal and it could end up with abnormal being the normal. This ideal is very hard to meet.