deviation from ideal mental health

• Deviation from ideal mental health

  This definition views abnormality differently to the other three definitions. According to this definition we are abnormal if we do not meet the criteria for ideal mental health, thus any deviation from what is considered normal is classed as abnormal.
• Characteristics of ideal mental health

  • Positive attitude towards oneself
  • Self-actualisation (being motivated to fulfil your full potential)
  • Autonomy
  • Resisting stress
  • Accurate perception of reality
  • Environmental mastery
• This definition proposes a set of characteristics of what is required to be normal as proposed by Jahoda (1958), she described six characteristics that individuals should exhibit in order to be seen as normal. An absence of any of these characteristics indicates individuals as being abnormal.
• Descriptions of characteristics of ideal mental health

  • Having self-respect (value of your worth) and a positive self-concept (view of yourself)
  • Experiencing personal growth and development
  • Being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions
  • Having effective coping strategies and being able to cope with everyday anxiety-provoking situations
  • Perceiving the world in a non-distorted fashion, with an objective and realistic view of the world
  • Being competent in all aspects of life and able to meet the demands of any situation. Having the flexibility to adapt to changing life circumstances
• Use your iPad to find out symptoms of depression, phobias and OCD. Choose some of these symptoms and explain how they demonstrate deviation from ideal mental health referring to the characteristics above.
• Strengths: Positive approach, Practical applications
• Limitations: Culture bias, Unrealistic