Abstract

For many decades psychological research has erred on the side of looking toward pathology and has neglected to define what positive mental health functioning is on an individual level (Dahlsgaard, Peterson, & Seligman, 2005, p. 203). Without a sound theory of positive mental health, the field of psychology is left guessing as to its meaning. The importance of having a clear definition of mental health cannot be underscored enough. Without a clear understanding of mental health, the field of psychology is forced to function with varying opinions, defined by each clinician. The goal of the current thesis is to contribute to psychological research by developing a new theory of positive mental health. Through this research it was found that of greatest importance to positive mental health are the concepts of subjective well-being, or a meaningful, pleasurable, and engaged life; and balance, which is meeting the three needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy within an individual's environments. Lastly, resiliency theory highlights how individuals adapt to traumatic and adverse conditions either successfully or unsuccessfully. This theory has applications for how clinicians treat their clients and how researchers can continue to develop the variables outlined therein.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Todd Burley

Second Advisor

Jilayne Gouvion

Third Advisor

Louis Jenkins

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2008

Date (Title Page)

9-2008

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Mental Health -- psychology -- dissertations; Psychology, Clinical; Spirituality; Attitude to Health; Adaptation, Psychological; Personal Satisfaction; Models, Theoretical

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

vi; 104

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Share

COinS