Natural history of male psychological health. III. Empirical dimensions of mental health.
In a nonpatient polulation, the concept of mental health was operationally defined both in terms of behavior and of abstract psychological functioning. Ninety-five college sophomores, selected for psychological health, were prospectively followed up for 30 years. They were assessed by independent raters on a scale reflecting objectively defined healthy adult adjustment; on a scale of clinically defined psychiatric illness; and on a scale of maturity of ego defenses. These three scales were highly correlated. It seemed likely that relatively objective items like length of vacation, divorce, heavy use of mood-altering drugs, career dissatisfaction, and visits to medical physicians can--as a cluster--statistically identify the abstract concept of mental health.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001900:Boston; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D013334:Students