Is being in good mental health simply not suffering from stress or psychological disorders? A new Australian study sheds valuable light on this question. After consulting more than a hundred experts, researchers identified six dimensions essential to so-called “positive” mental health.
Good news: having a psychological disorder does not necessarily exclude mental well-being. The results invite us to rethink our vision of mental health and to fight against preconceived ideas.
What do we really call good mental health?
Mental health is today at the heart of public health concerns. However, its definition often remains unclear. Should you be completely stress-free? Never feel anxious? Or simply not present any psychological disorder?
To better understand what characterizes positive mental health, Australian researchers conducted a vast survey of 122 experts from 11 disciplines, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, public health and economics.
This research, conducted using the Delphi method, aimed to establish consensus around the most important dimensions of psychological well-being. The experts evaluated 26 criteria before reaching agreement on the most determining elements.
The six dimensions considered essential
A total of 19 dimensions achieved at least 75% consensus for inclusion in a preliminary taxonomy of positive mental health.
But six of them were almost unanimous, with more than 90% agreement among the experts:
- The meaning and purpose
- Life satisfaction
- Self-acceptance
- The social bond
- Autonomy
- Happiness
According to the authors, these six dimensions constitute the fundamental pillars of good mental health. They relate more to the way in which a person experiences their existence, their relationships and their relationship with themselves than to the absence of psychological difficulties.
Having a mental disorder does not prevent you from feeling well
One of the most striking lessons of the study is that the presence of a psychological disorder does not appear among the criteria defining positive mental health.
In other words, a person living with anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia can still maintain a form of psychological well-being. Strong social relationships, a feeling of personal accomplishment or even good self-acceptance can help maintain this balance.
Researchers therefore recommend distinguishing positive mental health from mental disorders. An idea which joins the messages already conveyed by the Ministry of Health, according to which having a psychological disorder does not necessarily prevent one from being in good mental health.
A major issue for public health policies
The authors emphasize that conceptions of positive mental health, mental well-being or flourishing vary greatly between disciplines. This diversity complicates the assessment of needs, the design of interventions and the development of public policies.
By proposing a common taxonomy, the study intends to promote a more coherent approach to mental health. The objective is not only to treat psychological disorders, but also to allow everyone to develop the factors that nourish well-being: social bonds, autonomy, the meaning given to one’s life or even self-acceptance.
A message that recalls the importance of continuing to destigmatize mental disorders, while promoting conditions that promote positive mental health for all.