Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

• Abnormality- deviation from ideal mental health:

  • The idea that there are descriptions of normality and if someone doesn't fit the description their behaviour is abnormal
  • Jahoda- suggested 6 criteria to fulfil normality (ideal mental health)- positive attitude towards self, self-actualisation, autonomy, resistance to stress, environmental mastery, accurate perception of reality
• Positive attitude towards self- individual's self-esteem level should be high so they can feel happy with themselves
• Self-actualisation- being in a state of feeling happy for yourself and that you have achieved your full potential
• Autonomy- having independence and not depending on others
• Resistance to stress- the ability to handle stressful situations in a healthy way
• Environmental mastery- the ability to adapt to new situations and feel at ease
• Accurate perception of reality- the ability to perceive the world accurately
• Strengths of the definition:

  • Supported by Jahoda- adds value to the definition by stating what might cause abnormal behaviour
  • Positive outlook- focuses on the causes of the positive aspect of good mental health rather than abnormal behaviour, allowing goals to be set

  Limitations of the definition:

  • Unrealistic definitions- normality (by Jahoda) is defined as being impossible to achieve, making the majority abnormal
  • Subjectivity- the 6 criteria are vague and difficult to operationalise, so harder to use