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