Psychological Concepts Specific to Scientific Investigation & Their Significance

1. Mental Wellbeing

• Definition: A state of emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing in which an individual can realize their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.
• It’s a dynamic state, not simply the absence of mental illness.

• Continuum: Mental wellbeing exists on a continuum, ranging from optimal wellbeing to mental health problems.

  • High Level: Characterized by feeling optimistic, energetic, and socially connected.
  • Moderate Level: Experiencing some stressors or difficulties but generally coping well.
  • Low Level: Experiencing significant distress, impaired functioning, and potentially mental health symptoms.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Mental wellbeing is a dynamic state on a continuum, not simply the absence of mental illness.

2. Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB)

• Definition: A holistic and multidimensional framework used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to understand wellbeing.
• Holistic: Encompasses the whole person, including their mental, physical, spiritual, and cultural needs.

• Multidimensional: Includes interconnected aspects such as:

  • Connection to Country
  • Spirituality and beliefs
  • Cultural practices
  • Family and community relationships
  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Significance: Recognizes the importance of cultural identity and connection to community in promoting mental wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

VCAA FOCUS: Understanding SEWB is crucial when discussing mental wellbeing in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

3. Levels of Functioning

• Definition: The ability of an individual to complete day-to-day tasks effectively and independently.

• Domains: Assessed across various domains, including:

  • Cognitive Functioning: Memory, attention, problem-solving.
  • Social Functioning: Interacting with others, maintaining relationships.
  • Emotional Functioning: Regulating emotions, experiencing appropriate emotional responses.
  • Adaptive Behaviour: Coping with changes, adjusting to new situations.
  • Occupational Functioning: Performing at school or work.
  • Impairment: Mental health problems can significantly impair levels of functioning.

EXAM TIP: When describing levels of functioning, provide specific examples of how a person’s ability to perform daily tasks is affected.

4. Resilience

• Definition: The ability to adapt to stress and adversity. It’s about “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.

• Protective Factors: Factors that contribute to resilience:

  • Strong social support: Having supportive relationships with family, friends, and community members.
  • Positive self-esteem: Believing in one’s own abilities and worth.
  • Effective coping strategies: Using healthy ways to manage stress and emotions.
  • Optimism: Having a positive outlook on life.
  • Problem-solving skills: Being able to identify and address challenges effectively.
  • Not a Trait: Resilience is not a fixed trait but rather a dynamic process that can be developed and strengthened over time.

STUDY HINT: Consider how different protective factors interact to promote resilience in different situations.

5. Internal Factors

• Definition: Influences on mental wellbeing that originate from within the individual.

• Examples:

  • Personality traits: Optimism, self-esteem, resilience.
  • Genetic predispositions: Family history of mental illness.
  • Cognitive style: How individuals think about and interpret events.
  • Physiological factors: Brain chemistry, hormone levels.
  • Health behaviours: Sleep patterns, diet, exercise.

REMEMBER: Internal factors are individual and can be difficult to change but are possible with targeted therapies.

6. External Factors

• Definition: Influences on mental wellbeing that originate from the environment.

• Examples:

  • Social support: Relationships with family, friends, and community.
  • Stressful life events: Trauma, loss, financial difficulties.
  • Cultural factors: Values, beliefs, and practices.
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, access to resources.
  • Socioeconomic status: Income, education, and occupation.

COMMON MISTAKE: Confusing internal and external factors. Remember that internal factors are within the individual, while external factors are in the environment.

7. Stressors

• Definition: Events or situations that cause stress.

• Types:

  • Daily hassles: Minor inconveniences that occur regularly (e.g., traffic jams, arguments).
  • Major life events: Significant changes that require adjustment (e.g., marriage, divorce, job loss).
  • Catastrophes: Sudden and overwhelming events (e.g., natural disasters, accidents).
  • Impact: Stressors can negatively impact mental wellbeing if they are chronic, severe, or unmanageable.

APPLICATION: Consider how stressors, such as exams, can impact a VCE student’s mental wellbeing.