According to the two Continua Model of Mental Health which of the following statement is true ? a) If you have symptoms of Mental Health condition, you cannot have positive mental health b) If you have positive mental health, you are free of any mental distress and/or emotional challenges c) It’s possible to have mental health condition and still experience well being d) It is possible to experience positive and poor mental health simultaneously to experience positive and poor mental health simultaneously
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c) It’s possible to have mental health condition and still experience well-being
The Two Continua Model of Mental Health, proposed by Corey Keyes, offers a broader and more nuanced understanding of mental health. It suggests that mental health and mental illness are two separate but related dimensions. One continuum represents the presence or absence of mental illness, while the other represents levels of mental well-being ranging from languishing to flourishing.
This model challenges the traditional view that mental health is simply the absence of mental illness. Instead, it shows that an individual can experience symptoms of a mental disorder (like depression or anxiety) and still maintain a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life. In other words, the presence of a mental illness does not automatically mean that someone lacks mental well-being.
For example, a person undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder may still have strong social relationships, perform well at work, and find joy in hobbies or family life. They might face emotional struggles, but they also experience resilience, hope, and satisfaction, which are components of positive mental health.
On the flip side, someone without any diagnosable mental illness might still be emotionally disengaged, unmotivated, and socially isolated. Such individuals would be considered “languishing” in terms of mental well-being, even if they are clinically “healthy.”
This model highlights the importance of promoting well-being for all individuals, not just those with mental illness. It encourages a dual focus: treating mental health conditions and fostering conditions that allow people to thrive emotionally and socially. Understanding mental health through this dual lens helps reduce stigma and supports a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health care.