Current theoretical models of mental health

Abstract

The definitions of health and disease have important social and financial implications, as people affected by disease have special rights and as society shares responsibility with individuals in preventing disease and promoting health (under the biopsychosocial model of disease). In the field of mental health, such definitions are very difficult to elaborate due to the multiple pathogenic models and significant cultural influence. To date, six mental health models have been described in the literature: mental health as above normal, mental health as maturity, mental health as positive or “spiritual” emotions, mental health as socioemotional intelligence, mental health as subjective well-being, and mental health as resilience. Current mental health definitions, however, fail to cover all the theoretical knowledge on the factors that promote mental health and/‌or diminish the risk for mental and behavioral disorders. A revised definition of mental health would therefore be necessary, especially since the definition of mental health has a profound impact on mental health promotion policies. The aim of this paper was to review all the information on current mental health models for the purpose of identifying opportunities for the development of a new definition of mental health and new mental health promotion strategies.