In modern society, we generally understand ‘well-being’ to mean physical health. But with the evolution of medical science, the definition of mental health has undergone a radical change. For the past few decades, psychologists have agreed on one thing: that simply not having a mental illness does not make a person ‘mentally healthy’. This debate took a turn in 1958 when Marie Jahoda introduced the concept of ‘positive mental health’. According to her, positive mental health is not a temporary state but rather a permanent characteristic of personality.
In her classic work, “Current Concepts of Positive Mental Health”, Marie Jahoda identified six key indicators of positive mental health. These indicators help an individual become mentally stable and successful.
1. Attitude toward one’s own self: A mentally healthy person is aware of their own strengths and limitations. They focus more on their positive attributes and navigate life with self-confidence.
2. Growth, Development, and Self-actualisation: In line with Abraham Maslow’s (1954) theory, Jahoda states that realising one’s latent potential to the fullest is a sign of well-being. This is not just about meeting one’s own needs but a process of developing a sense of responsibility toward society and the environment.
3. Integration: Integration is the ability to maintain your composure even under mental stress and to keep a balance in your outlook on life. It is a healthy balance between the id, ego, and superego.
4. Autonomy: A healthy person is independent in their decision-making. They do not lose their individuality to external pressures or societal expectations but rather manage situations with their own judgement.
5. Accurate Perception of Reality: According to Jahoda, a person is mentally healthy when they perceive the world as it truly is, without mixing in any imagination or personal desires.
6. Environmental Mastery: The main goal of this index is to achieve success in social roles, at work, and in interpersonal relationships.
While Mari Jahoda considered the correct perception of reality the key to mental health, in 1988 Taylor and Brown presented a revolutionary finding. According to them, a little ‘unreal positivity’ or a form of illusion actually helps increase a person’s psychological well-being.
Research has shown that the average healthy person has a slightly more positive view of themselves. They see their strengths more than their weaknesses. Interestingly, research by Taylor and Brown has found that people with depression are much more ‘realistic’ than healthy individuals. are. On the other hand, healthy people tend to overestimate their own self-control and are optimistic about the future. This ‘positive illusion’ gives people the strength to get through difficult times and encourages them in creative pursuits.
In 1988, Jensen and Bergin conducted a nationwide survey of 425 professional therapists (including psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists). This study revealed that eight factors are crucial for psychological well-being:
★Emotional Expression: The proper expression and honesty of feelings.
★Responsibility: Being accountable for one’s actions.
★ Work Satisfaction: Achieving self-fulfilment through work.
★ Family Commitment: Marital fidelity and dedication to family.
★ Physical Health: Exercise and abstinence from drugs.
A vast majority of the therapists surveyed (a high level of consensus) agreed with these values, which modernises Jahoda’s theory.
The definition of mental health is not always the same. It varies across society, culture, and gender. Braverman and his colleagues (1981), in a study of 79 therapists, found that society views the standards for mental health differently for women and men. The study found that while ‘independence’ is a characteristic of a healthy man and ‘a competitive attitude’ are seen as characteristics of a healthy man, while for a healthy woman, traits like ‘submissiveness’ or being ‘less aggressive’ are emphasised. This gender disparity proves that the concept of mental health is often dependent on social norms.According to psychologists, ‘normality’ simply means the absence of disease. But ‘positive mental health’ is the full development of a person’s potential.
According to Jahoda (1988), low mental health does not necessarily mean mental illness. For example, a person can lack self-confidence even without any illness, which keeps them from having ‘positive mental health’.
Ultimately, positive mental health is an ongoing goal. It is not a destination but a journey. True wellness is the ability to find oneself, realise one’s potential, and adapt to one’s environment, even amidst life’s adversities. This may be a utopian or idealistic concept, but striving to achieve this goal is what makes a person truly ‘human’. makes a person truly ‘human’.
References:
1. Jahoda, M. (1958). Current Concepts of Positive Mental Health. New York: Basic Books.
2. Taylor, S. & Brown, J. (1988). Illusion and Well-Being: A Social Psychological Perspective on Mental Health. Psychological Bulletin.
3. Jensen, J. P., & Bergin, A. E. (1988). Mental Health Values of Professional Therapists. Professional Psychology.
4. Brovarman, I. K., et al. (1981). Sex-Role Stereotypes and Clinical Judgements of Mental Health.
5. Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper & Row.
6. American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).