Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

• Jahoda

  As with physical health , we should judge psychological health by defining what is normal / ideal and anything that deviates from this is abnormal
• Criteria for Ideal Mental Health ( Jahoda )

  Positive view of the self

  Capability for growth and development ( we can reach our full potential - self actualise )

  Autonomy and independence

  Accurate perception of reality

  Positive friendships and relationships

  Environmental mastery - able to meet the varying demands of day to day situations
• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health is

  A comprehensive definition

  A range of diagnostic criteria , covering most of the reasons why we would seek help or be referred for help with mental health conditions
• This definition provides a checklist we can assess ourselves against meaning it has practical value

  BUT

  There are very high standards for mental health and we probably can't achieve all of these at once

  It can be disheartening as a set of standards to live up to
• It suffers from cultural limitations

  May be culture bound

  Criteria for ideal mental health is very Western

  Self actualisation - a very westernised ideal

  Some other cultures would see this as self indulgent ( collectivist cultures )

  What defines success is different in different cultures

  Very hard to apply this definition to other cultures