Physical health is indicated by having correct body temperature, normal blood pressure, etc.

Jahoda (1958) suggests that the same should be done for mental health, indicating that one we have a picture of how one should be psychologically healthy, we can then identify who deviates away from it.

Profile

• No symptoms of distress
• Rational and perceive ourselves accurately
• We self-actualise
• We can cope with stress
• We have a realistic view of the world
• We have good self-esteem and lack guilt
• We are independent of other people
• We can successfully work, solve problems and adjust to new situations

Evaluation

Unrealistic

• Sets out a number of criteria for ideal mental health that very few people meet
• Unlikely many people self-actualise and reach full potential because of barriers

Offers an alternative perspective

• Focuses on positives rather than negatives
  • i.e., desirables over undesirables
• Even though Jahoda’s idea’s weren’t taken up by health professionals, they have had some levels of influence in psychology

Cultural relativism

Type: Limitation

• Criteria set out for ideal mental health is based on Western individualistic values in which individualistic goals are valued more
• However other cultures, the collective goals of the community are valued more
• As such, the criteria set out Jahoda do not take into account that ideal mental health in some cultures may vary