Skip to main content
Medicine LibreTexts

2: Psychological Health

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    11650

    • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)

    Psychological health is a level of psychological well-being or an absence of Psychological illness - the state of someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment". From the perspectives of positive psychology or of holism, Psychological health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life, and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Psychological health includes "subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, inter-generational dependence, and self-actualization of one's intellectual and emotional potential, among others."

    • 2.1: Intro to Psychological Health
      This page discusses Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a 1943 motivational theory by Abraham Maslow depicted as a pyramid. It categorizes human needs into levels, starting with deficiency needs—physiological, safety, love, and esteem—before addressing higher-level needs such as self-actualization and self-transcendence. Though motivations from different levels can emerge simultaneously, one need generally prevails, directing human behavior.
    • 2.2: Social Health
      This page discusses how social environment and socioeconomic factors shape individual development and well-being. It highlights psychoneuroimmunology, focusing on the relationship between psychological factors and immune system outcomes. Chronic stress, especially among dementia caregivers, is shown to cause weakened immune function, resulting in slower healing and increased infection risk, underscoring the health impacts of stress across all ages.
    • 2.3: Developing and Protecting Individual Attributes
      This page emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being, highlighting key attributes such as self-control, resilience, and confidence. It discusses the risks of substance use in pregnant women and adolescents while advocating for awareness and regulatory strategies. Furthermore, it suggests that a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential protective factors, promoting a holistic approach to health enhancement.
    • 2.4: Supporting Families and Communities
      This page highlights the impact of social environments on mental health and well-being. It discusses family and community efforts to foster psychosocial development, particularly for vulnerable groups. Mental health strategies are tailored to diverse populations, including disadvantaged families, children of mentally ill parents, victims of violence, and others affected by various life challenges, underlining the critical role of social interactions and support systems.
    • 2.5: Supporting Vulnerable Groups in Society
      This page discusses how mental ill-health is affected by social and environmental issues like access to amenities and discrimination. It advocates for state policies that promote social equality through anti-discrimination laws, social protection for disadvantaged groups, and efforts to encourage peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
    • 2.6: Mental Illness
      This page discusses the widespread impact of mental illness on society, affecting one in four individuals. It highlights that 20% of American adults experience a diagnosable disorder annually, with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia as common issues. It notes that 3% of people suffer from multiple disorders, and 5% endure severe conditions that disrupt daily life.
    • 2.7: Mood Disorders
      This page discusses major mood disorders, highlighting depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymic disorder. It defines true depression as a long-term illness that necessitates treatment, while describing bipolar disorder as characterized by significant mood swings and energy fluctuations that affect daily life. It notes bipolar disorder's former name, manic depression, due to its alternating episodes of mania and depression.
    • 2.8: Depression
      This page discusses depression as a major global disability affecting 9.5% of American adults, with women nearly twice as likely to be affected. It defines depression as a complex disorder with three main types: major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder is characterized by five or more persistent symptoms for at least two weeks, including sadness and changes in appetite and sleep. Untreated episodes last around nine months, often leading to recurrence.
    • 2.9: Dysthymic Disorder
      This page discusses dysthymia, a chronic form of depression marked by a long-lasting depressed mood and additional depressive symptoms. It spans two years for adults and one year for children or adolescents, often beginning in youth. Although less severe than major depressive disorder, it can significantly impact functioning and well-being, generally lasting around four years without treatment.
    • 2.10: Bipolar Disorder
      This page explains bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, characterized by alternating episodes of major depression and mania. Symptoms during mania include inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep, increased talkativeness, and risk-taking behaviors. The disorder typically arises in adolescence or young adulthood, with episodes of mania and depression occurring every two to four years in adults.
    • 2.11: Factors That Influence Psychological Well-Being
      This page explores how early childhood attachment and individual traits, alongside socio-economic and environmental factors, influence development and mental health. It highlights that early separation from caregivers can lead to anxiety, and issues with parental bonding and socio-economic status affect growth.
    • 2.12: Physiological Needs
      This page discusses the importance of physiological needs for human survival, which include essentials like air, water, food, clothing, and shelter. These needs are crucial for the body's proper functioning and take precedence over other needs. Additionally, it highlights how factors like birth rates and sexual competition affect human instincts related to survival and reproduction.
    • 2.13: The Causes of Depression (depressive disorders)
      This page discusses the multifaceted causes of depression, emphasizing the interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors over solely neurotransmitter deficiencies. It highlights genetic predispositions, with 20-50% of affected children having familial links, and outlines additional risks such as hormonal imbalances, stress, smoking, parental loss, relationship issues, and trauma.
    • 2.14: Treating Depression
      This page discusses depression treatment, highlighting the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy, which benefits about 70% of patients. Medications affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine and show effects within six to eight weeks. If symptoms persist, alternative drugs may be needed, and continuous use for six months post-recovery lowers relapse risk.
    • 2.15: Coping with Depression
      This page discusses the impact of depression, including feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness, and emphasizes that as treatment progresses, negative thoughts can lessen. It suggests coping strategies like setting realistic goals, seeking social support, engaging in enjoyable activities, and postponing major decisions. Individuals are encouraged to expect gradual improvement and remain open to the treatment's positive changes.
    • 2.16: 2.23 Anxiety Disorders
      This page discusses various mental health disorders including social phobia, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Social phobia affects around 15 million American adults, beginning in youth and manifesting as intense fear and physical symptoms in social situations. Borderline personality disorder leads to emotional instability, while schizophrenia involves severe symptoms like delusions.
    • 2.17: The Stigma of Mental Illness
      This page discusses the negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness that contribute to stigma and misinformation, leading to discrimination and reluctance to seek help. It highlights that many individuals manage their conditions independently, akin to chronic diseases.
    • 2.18: Safety Needs
      This page discusses the importance of safety needs following the fulfillment of physiological needs, highlighting how factors like trauma from war and disasters influence behavior. It emphasizes the significance of economic safety and job security, especially for children. Key elements of safety needs include personal security, financial stability, health, and safety nets against accidents or illnesses.
    • 2.19: Social Belonging
      This page examines the third level of Maslow's hierarchy, emphasizing the need for belongingness and interpersonal connections, especially in childhood. It highlights how neglect or exclusion can impair relationship formation, impacting friendships and family ties. A strong sense of belonging is crucial for emotional well-being, while its absence can result in loneliness, social anxiety, and depression.
    • 2.20: Esteem
      This page discusses the fundamental human need for respect and self-esteem and how individuals seek acceptance from others through various activities. It highlights Maslow's distinction between lower esteem needs (like recognition) and higher needs (like self-respect) while emphasizing their interrelation. Low self-esteem can lead to an inferiority complex, and deprivation of these needs may result in feelings of weakness and helplessness.
    • 2.21: Self-Actualization
      This page discusses Maslow's concept of self-actualization, emphasizing that individuals must realize their full potential, which varies based on personal aspirations. Examples include striving to be an ideal parent or excelling in sports or creativity. Maslow asserts that achieving self-actualization requires individuals to first satisfy lower levels of need.
    • 2.22: Self-Transcendence
      This page discusses Abraham Maslow's later expansion of his needs theory, introducing the concept of transcendence. He critiqued his earlier self-actualization views, stating that true self-actualization involves altruism and spirituality, with goals extending beyond oneself. Transcendence represents the highest human consciousness, highlighting holistic relationships with oneself, others, nature, and the cosmos.
    • 2.23: Mental Health
      This page discusses the importance of mental health, particularly for college students who face significant challenges such as depression and anxiety, leading to poor academic performance and increased dropout rates. The WHO defines mental health as subjective well-being and realizing potential. Approximately 26% of American adults encounter mental health disorders, often beginning by age 14.
    • 2.24: Emotional Health
      This page discusses the importance of emotional well-being on mental and physical health, highlighting its links to stress, anxiety, and self-esteem. It emphasizes that low emotional well-being can lead to various health issues, while enhanced well-being supports coping skills and productivity. Overall, managing emotions is vital for life success, with interpersonal interactions also playing a significant role in emotional health.
    • 2.25: Spiritual Health
      This page discusses the importance of the spiritual dimension in health, emphasizing non-material aspects like beliefs and values that uplift humanity. It suggests a strategy for Health for All that integrates both material and spiritual needs, highlighting that while material support is attainable, personal and communal spiritual development must align with social and cultural contexts. The spiritual aspect is crucial for inspiring achievements in various life sectors.

    Contributors and Attributions

    • Wikipedia

    This page titled 2: Psychological Health is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Garrett Rieck & Justin Lundin.