Deviation From Ideal Health Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does the ‘Deviation from Ideal Mental Health’ (DIMH) definition of abnormality focus on?
It defines the criteria required for normality (ideal mental health) rather than defining abnormality directly.
Who identified the characteristics for optimal living related to ideal mental health?
Jahoda (1958) identified a list of six characteristics for optimal living.
What is the first characteristic of ideal mental health?
Autonomy - The ability to function as an independent individual.
What is the second characteristic of ideal mental health?
Perception of Reality - The ability to see the world as it is.
What is the third characteristic of ideal mental health?
Resistance to stress - The ability to cope with stressful situations.
What is the fourth characteristic of ideal mental health?
Mastery of the environment - The ability to adjust to new situations.
What is the fifth characteristic of ideal mental health?
Self-attitudes - High self-esteem and a strong sense of self-identity.
What is the sixth characteristic of ideal mental health?
Self-actualisation and personal growth - Being focused on the future and fulfilling one’s full potential.
How does a lack of autonomy relate to depression?
Depression lacks autonomy as individuals may not look after themselves, e.g., eating and sleeping.
How does a lack of resistance to stress relate to depression?
Individuals with depression often show a lack of resistance to stress, e.g., being upset or crying.
What memory aid can help remember the characteristics of ideal mental health?
A - Autonomy - depression
R - Reality - Schizophrenia
R - Resistance to Stress - anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, phobias
M - Mastery of the environment - OCD
S - Self-attitudes - Depression
S - Self-actualisation and personal growth - depression
What is a limitation of the DIMH definition?
The characteristics are too idealistic, suggesting that only a few people progress through the hierarchy of needs to achieve self-actualisation.
This implies that most people may be considered abnormal based on the high requirements of this definition.
How is the DIMH definition biased?
It may be culturally biased, reflecting Western, individualist culture, which emphasizes independence over collectivist cultures that prioritize group needs.
This bias can lead to whole cultures being seen as ‘abnormal’ using this definition.
What issue arises from the subjective judgment in the DIMH definition?
It leaves it to individual psychiatrists to determine how many criteria need to be lacking for a diagnosis, leading to inconsistency.
For example, one psychiatrist might diagnose based on one lacking criterion while another might not.
What is a strength of the DIMH definition?
It offers a positive perspective on mental health by focusing on desirable behaviors rather than undesirable ones.
This can provide a useful focus for those with mental disorders aiming to improve their mental health.
