Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Definition

• Abnormality: Defined as a deviation from theoretical descriptions of normality.
• Ideal Mental Health: Concept introduced by Marie Jahoda (1958) involving six criteria that define normality.

Jahoda's Six Criteria for Ideal Mental Health

1. Positive Attitude Toward the Self

   • Relates to self-esteem.
   • Individual feels happy with themselves.

2. Self-actualisation

   • State of contentment.
   • Feeling of becoming the best one can be.

3. Autonomy

   • Independence and self-reliance.
   • Ability to function individually without relying on others.

4. Resistance to Stress

   • Ability to handle stressful situations competently.

5. Environmental Mastery

   • Adaptability to new situations.
   • Comfort in all life situations.

6. Accurate Perception of Reality

   • Seeing the world as others do.
   • Focus on reducing distortions in thinking, e.g., in schizophrenia.

Importance of Criteria

• For optimum mental health, all criteria should be met.
• Lack of fulfillment leads to difficulties.

Strengths of the Definition

• Focused: Allows targeted intervention.
  • Example: Addressing distorted thinking to change abnormal behavior.
• Positive Outlook: Emphasizes what is helpful and desirable.
• Goal-Oriented: Sets clear goals for achieving ideal mental health.

Weaknesses of the Definition

• Feasibility: Criteria make ideal mental health nearly impossible for most, labeling them as abnormal.
• Ethnocentrism: Autonomy is not applicable in collectivist cultures, which value communal over individual goals.
  • Criteria fit Western individualist cultures better.
• Subjectivity: Vague criteria difficult to measure, making judgments challenging.

Conclusion

• Jahoda's criteria provide a framework for understanding mental health but are criticized for their practicality and cultural applicability.
• The model emphasizes a Western perspective on individualism, overlooking cultural diversity in conceptualizing mental health.