Deviation from ideal mental health and failing to function adequately
2nd part of mental health criteria
- Independent of others - Good self-esteem- Realistic view of the world- Has the ability to work, love and enjoy leisure.
Jahoda
Suggested 8 criteria to see if someone was mentally healthy;- No symptoms of distress- Able to think rationally- Has the ability to self-actualise- Can cope with stress
Deviation from social norms
A very different way to look at normality and abnormality is to ignore the issue of what makes someone 'abnormal' but what makes someone 'normal'
Example: intellectual disability disorder
An individual must be failing to function adequately in order to be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
Rosenhan and Seligman
Proposed that when someone isn't coping they will no longer conform to interpersonal rules, experience personal distress and behave in a way that is irrational/dangerous
Failure to function adequately
A person may cross the line between normal and abnormal when they can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life. They are unable to maintain basic standards of nutrition, hygiene can't hold down a job or maintain a relationship.
