Lesson 4: Deviation From Ideal Mental Health

Question 1

Definition of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 1

This definition stems from the Humanist approach which focuses on motivation and self development. Jahoda has argued that the concepts of “abnormality” and “normality” are not very useful as they are too vague and general. Instead she wanted to focus on the 6 criteria that are needed in order for a person to have positive mental health and to be normal.

Question 2

What are the 6 categories Jahoda identified

Answer 2

The six categories autonomy
perception of reality
Personal growth
Integration?
Environmental mastery
Self attitudes
APPIES

Question 3

Explain each of the six criteria by Jahoda of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 3

Autonomy The degree to which an individual is independent of social influences and can make their own decisions
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
Personal growth The extent of an individual’s growth, development or self actualisation. Becoming the type of person that you aim to be
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 4

What are the two strengths of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 4

1) A strength of Marie Jahoda’s model is that it can be viewed as being positive and productive. 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. (+)
2) Deviation from ideal mental health has the advantage that it can highlight and target areas of dysfunction that the patient can work on and improve in their life. This can be very important when treating different types of disorders, for instance people who do not possess the criteria of “self attitudes” (and therefore might not have a positive self attitude) might be showing signs of depression. This can therefore highlight the area of dysfunction to both the patient and the psychologist. (+)

Question 5

What are two weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 5

1) Deviation from ideal mental health can be viewed as problematic. The six criteria are based on abstract concepts and ideals, and are difficult to define and measure. For instance, how much “environmental mastery” or “self attitudes” do we need in order to be judged as psychologically healthy? At what point could we say that the criteria have not been met and therefore the person could be classed as abnormal? The model is not very objective or scientific. (-)

2) Deviation from ideal mental health is problematic in the fact that very few people can actually achieve all of the six criteria at any one time. Therefore many of us would be classed as abnormal; and we could argue that it would be “normal” to be “abnormal.” To sustain and meet all of the 6 criteria at any one time could be deemed as quite impossible or very difficult, and it would be an ideal that would be very hard to meet. (-)