Articles on mental health
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding Mental Health: Definitions, Quality, and Influencing Factors
Defining Mental Health: Beyond the Absence of Illness
WHO Definition and Its Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being where individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community1. This definition emphasizes positive feelings and functioning, but it has been critiqued for potentially excluding those who experience negative emotions in challenging situations1. Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness but includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being1 3.
Components of Mental Health
Keyes identifies three components of mental health: emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being. Emotional well-being includes happiness and life satisfaction; psychological well-being involves self-acceptance and managing daily responsibilities; and social well-being encompasses social contribution and integration1. These components highlight the multifaceted nature of mental health, which includes both positive emotions and effective functioning in society1 4.
Quality of Mental Health Services
Evaluating Mental Health Services
Quality mental health services are crucial for maintaining and improving population mental health. Key indicators for evaluating these services include suitability, accessibility, acceptance, efficiency, continuity, and safety2. These indicators ensure that mental health services are effective, sustainable, and meet the needs of the population2.
Importance of Accessibility and Acceptability
Accessibility and acceptability are critical for the utilization of mental health services. Services must be approachable and acceptable to patients to ensure they are used effectively. Economic indicators also play a role in the sustainability of these services, impacting public health outcomes such as morbidity and life expectancy2.
Mental Health and Well-being
Mental Health Without Well-being
There is a debate on whether mental health should be equated with well-being. Some argue that defining mental health solely in terms of well-being is too demanding and can be oppressive, as it may exclude those who do not fit this narrow definition3. A balanced view suggests that mental health includes the psychological preconditions necessary for pursuing a good life, without being identical to well-being3.
The Mental Health Continuum
Mental health can be viewed on a continuum from languishing to flourishing. Flourishing individuals exhibit high levels of well-being and functioning, while those languishing experience significant psychosocial impairment and are at higher risk for depression4. This continuum approach helps in understanding the varying degrees of mental health and the need for tailored interventions4.
Influencing Factors on Mental Health
Built Environment
The built environment significantly impacts mental health. Poor-quality housing, residential crowding, and insufficient daylight are associated with increased psychological distress. Conversely, well-designed environments that promote personal control and social interaction can enhance mental well-being7. The physical environment's role in mental health underscores the need for thoughtful urban planning and housing policies7.
Mental Health in Older Adults
For older adults, mental health is closely linked to well-being and quality of life. Factors such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and elder abuse can significantly impact their mental health. Promoting mental health in older adults involves addressing these negative factors and enhancing positive aspects like social support and meaningful activities8.
Conclusion
Mental health is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond the absence of mental illness. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influenced by various factors including the quality of mental health services and the built environment. Understanding and promoting mental health requires a comprehensive approach that considers the diverse needs and circumstances of individuals across different life stages.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Toward a new definition of mental health
Mental health should be viewed as a complex, multidimensional concept that considers both positive emotions and positive functioning, rather than just focusing on positive emotions and functioning.
Highly CitedAssessing and Improving the Quality in Mental Health Services
This study presents eight quality indicators for mental health services, highlighting their importance in assessing and improving mental health service quality and influencing public health policy.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalMental Health Without Well-being
Mental health is a primary good that provides psychological preconditions for pursuing the good life, without being identical to well-being.
The mental health continuum: from languishing to flourishing in life.
Flourishing and moderate mental health are associated with superior psychosocial functioning, while languishing and depression are associated with significant psychosocial impairments.
Observational StudyHighly CitedWhat is mental health?
Mental health is defined as a state of balance within oneself and one's environment, promoting emotional well-being, social interaction, and overall well-being.
What is good mental health? A scoping review
Good mental health can be defined as a state of well-being that allows individuals to cope with normal stresses and function productively, encompassing mental health literacy, attitude towards mental disorders, self-perceptions, cognitive skills, academic/occupational performance, emotions, behaviors, self-management strategies, social skills, and quality of life.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe built environment and mental health
The built environment directly and indirectly affects mental health, with high-rise housing, poor-quality housing, and poor air quality contributing to psychological distress and behavioral disturbances.
Highly CitedMental health and well‐being in older people
Mental health in older people is influenced by factors such as quality of life, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and elder abuse, but there is a lack of focus on anxiety, which is surprising given its prevalence.
The Status of Mental Health Promotion
Mental health promotion is evolving rapidly, with evidence-based policies and programs promoting wellbeing and resilience in various domains, and a need for ongoing innovation, adaptation, and evaluation in low-income countries.
The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Different Cohorts
COVID-19 has significantly impacted mental health, with individuals experiencing increased anxiety, anger, confusion, and posttraumatic symptoms due to factors such as spatial distancing, self-isolation, quarantine, social and economic discord, and misinformation (Mukhtar 2020).
Rigorous Journal