Deviation from ideal mental health

• This definition assesses mental health in the same way physical health is assessed
• Once it is established how individuals should look when they are psychologically healthy (ideal mental health), then those who deviate from this can be identified
• Marie Jahoda (1958) suggested there are 6 characteristics an individual should display if they have an idea of mental health, these are:
  • Positive attitudes towards one's self
  • Self actualisation
  • Autonomy
  • Integration
  • Accurate perception
  • Environment mastery

• Holistic
  • This definition looks at the whole person and their behaviour, instead of focusing on singular behaviours, this means it is a holistic approach to diagnosing mental health issues
• Comprehensive
  • This definition includes a range of reasons as to why individuals may need help with their mental health, it also includes a range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from illness
• Positive approach
  • This definition focuses on positive behaviours and what is desirable instead of undesirable behaviours
• Consistent
  • This definition provides a consistent and standardised measurement for those looking at both positive and negative mental health

• Cultural specific
  • This definition is specific for western cultures, in fact, collectivist cultures would see autonomy as undesirable
• Over demanding criteria
  • This definition does not take into account that the criteria are often hard to achieve constantly or all of the time
  • For example, most people do not always have personal development or growth, which using this definition would make them abnormal
• Changes over time
  • This definition does not account for changes over time, behaviours that were once seen as normal are abnormal and vice versa
  • E.g. Seeing visions of God would have been seen as a strong religious commitment, however, now, this would be more likely to lead to a diagnosis of a personality disorder
• Subjective criteria
  • This definition tries to treat mental health in the same way as physical health, however, mental health is much more subjective and needs to be looked at in the context of the patient
  • Diagnosing a patient with mental health is more complex than self questionnaires and often experienced professionals struggle to come up with an accurate diagnosis