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
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
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.
Recommended Citation
Rowden, Jason D., "A Theory of Positive Mental Health" (2008). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 2534.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/2534
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