deviation from ideal mental health

• definition


  Jahoda - abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that are associaed with competence and happiness.
• components


  1. self attitudes - high self esteem and a strong sense of identity
  2. personal growth and self actualisation - the extent to which an individual develops to their full capabilities.
  3. integration - being able to cope with stressful situations
  4. autonomy - being independent and self-regulating
  5. accurate perception of reality
  6. mastery of the environment - ability to love, function at work and in interpersonal relationships, adjust to new situations and solve problems.
• AO3 unrealistic criteria


  ideal criteria - how many need to be unmet before you are considered abnormal?

  the criteria are also quite difficult to measure - how easy is it to assess capacity for environmental mastery?
• AO3 equates mental and physical health

  tries to apply the principles of physical health to mental health.

  physical illnesses have physical causes which make them easy to diagnose. mental illnesses don’t usually have physical causes - they are a consequence of life experiences.
• AO3 it’s a positive approach 


  focuses on the “ideal” what is desirable rather than undesirable. the ideas have had some influence and are in accord with “positive psychology” movement.
• AO3 cultural relativism


  mental health criteria are culture bound

  e.g. goal of self-actualisation relevant to members of individualist cultures but not collectivist cultures where people promote the needs of the group not themselves.