Lesson 4 Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Question 1

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition

Answer 1

This definition stems from the Humanist approach which focuses on motivation and self development. For instance, Maslow devised the “Hierarchy of needs” whereby humans seek to have their basic needs met first (such as sleep and shelter) and then move up to the next level.

Abnormality is related to the lack of “contented existence.” Therefore people who deviate from having an ideal or, “optimal” mental health can be classed as abnormal.

Question 2

What is self actualisation

Answer 2

“Self actualisation” means that humans should strive to reach their full potential. Normal people would strive to achieve a series of goals or needs in order to reach self actualisation. Abnormality could occur if a person fails to achieve their goals or meet the necessary criteria.

Question 3

What are Marie Jahoda’s six criteria

Answer 3

APPIES

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 don’t distort their perception of reality; they are not too optimistic or pessimistic. They show signs of empathy and social sensitivity

Personal growth - The extent of an individual’s personal 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, adequately 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

Advantages 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

Disadvantages 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.