Understanding Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health

Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health

Mental Health Definitions

Mental health can be determined by biological or psychological factors.

Classic Mental Health Concept

• The cause of the disorder is considered to be internal to the individual.

Modern Mental Health Concept (Biopsychosocial)

• This concept is based on a holistic view of the individual.
• It suggests that problems are often caused by the social environment.

Holistic View: Understanding all factors that influence the individual and cause their behavior.

Defining Mental Health (M. Health, 1993)

Mental health was once referred to as the absence of mental illness. Now, a broader concept includes:

• Upgrading one's own potential.
• Maintaining a relationship of mutual respect with the social and environmental context.

Today, mental health means: "The ability of people to interact among themselves and with the environment in ways that promote subjective well-being, development, and optimal use of cognitive and affective potential, in accordance with the law and the common good."

Focus Shifts in Mental Health Models

• Traditional Model: The focus was on conflicts and deficits.
• Current Biopsychosocial Model: The focus is placed on the context surrounding the problems (e.g., family, school, community), aiming for a good quality of life.

Four Viewpoints Defining Normality

There are four perspectives that define the concept of normality:

1. Evaluative Viewpoint

• Governed by adherence to some ideal. The closer a person is to that ideal, the more normal they are considered.
• Applicable to any system within society and determined by regulations.

2. Statistical Viewpoint

• Normality relates to the average; the abnormal is the opposite.
• Normality is achieved when one approaches the main trend.

3. Medical or Homeostatic Viewpoint

• Abnormal behavior is that which restricts or limits the individual's possibilities, as well as the possibilities of those around them.
• Applies only to individual cases.

Homeostasis: A balanced organism develops and functions well.

4. Cultural Viewpoint

• Society determines what is normal based on the culture practiced within that society.

Characteristics of Normal Adolescents

Knobel, Aberasturi, and others, in their book "Normal Adolescence," suggest a teenager is normal when they exhibit:

1. Search for Self and Identity: Transitioning from childhood toward adulthood.
2. Group Trend: Seeking a peer group, often depending on the group's perspective.
3. Religious Crisis.
4. Need to Intellectualize and Fantasize: The adolescent begins asking fundamental questions about life.
5. Vindicating Social Attitude.
6. Sexual Development: Ranging from auto-eroticism to heterosexuality.

Situations Faced by Adolescents

The adolescent is highly impressionable and may face situations such as:

• Alcoholism
• Drug use
• Crime
• Challenging Friendships
• Pregnancy
• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Depression
• Sexual Abuse

Teens are encouraged to develop a life plan.