Promoting and Preserving Psychological Health

Flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to promoting and preserving psychological health, including Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, traits of self-actualized individuals, the PERMA model, and characteristics of mentally strong people.

Psychological Health

A state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community (WHO definition).

Dual Continuum Model of Mental Health and Mental Illness

A model suggesting that good mental health and mental illness are not opposite ends of a single continuum, but rather two separate continuums, allowing for flourishing with or without illness, or languishing with or without illness.

Mental Health Continuum (Healthy Stage)

Characterized by normal fluctuations in mood, taking things in stride, a good sense of humor, consistent performance, physical and social activity, and confidence.

Mental Health Continuum (Reacting Stage)

Characterized by nervousness, irritability, sadness, procrastination, trouble sleeping, low energy, and decreased social activity.

Mental Health Continuum (Injured Stage)

Characterized by anxiety, anger, pervasive sadness, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, decreased performance, and social withdrawal.

Mental Health Continuum (Ill Stage)

Characterized by excessive anxiety, panic attacks, extreme rage, depressed mood, inability to concentrate or make decisions, constant fatigue, and potentially suicidal thoughts or unusual sensory experiences.

Abraham Maslow

A psychologist known for creating the Hierarchy of Human Needs in 1954, studying positive human qualities and exemplary people.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A five-tier model of human needs proposed by Abraham Maslow, suggesting basic needs must be met before higher-level needs can be achieved.

Self-Actualization

A person's motivation to reach his or her full potential, the highest level of need in Maslow's Hierarchy.

Physiological Needs (Maslow)

The most basic needs for survival including breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, and excretion.

Safety Needs (Maslow)

Needs related to security of body, employment, resources, morality, the family, health, and property.

Love/Belonging Needs (Maslow)

Needs for friendship, family, and sexual intimacy.

Esteem Needs (Maslow)

Needs encompassing self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, and respect by others.

Realistic (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

The ability to deal with the world as it is, accept oneself, and know what can and cannot be changed.

Acceptance (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

Possessing a positive self-image, enjoying successes, and being tolerant of imperfections.

Autonomy (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

Being inner-directed, independent (physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually), and not 'other-directed.'

Authenticity (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

Being unafraid to be oneself, showing childlike qualities, and not worrying about being judged.

Capacity for Intimacy (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

The ability to share feelings and thoughts without fear of rejection.

Creative (Trait of Self-Actualized People)

Being open to new experiences and finding uncertainty attractive.

PERMA

An acronym representing five elements of well-being to help humans flourish: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement.

Positive Emotions (PERMA)

Engaging in behaviors that bring joy, being kind, and curious.

Engagement (PERMA)

Adopting mindfulness and investing time in activities that absorb you.

Relationships (PERMA)

Building new relationships and deepening existing ones.

Meaning (PERMA)

Considering one's legacy and purpose in life.

Achievement (PERMA)

Setting realistic goals, pursuing them, and putting forth effort.

Happiness Helpers

Factors that contribute to happiness, including strong relationships, spirituality, high self-esteem, hope, and the feeling that life has meaning.