AO3 - Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

• This definition focuses on what is helpful and desirable for the individual, rather than the other way round.
• This view is very subjective and interpretation depends on the observer.
• This definition can vary over time and between cultures or communities.
• Most people do not meet all of the criteria all of the time, yet we do not say they are abnormal.
• The criteria outlined by Jahoda makes ideal mental health practically impossible to achieve.
• The criterion of autonomy makes the collectivist cultures, where the greater good and helping / relying on others is encouraged, seem abnormal.
• As most western cultures are individualist the criteria outlined by Jahoda seem a reasonable fit, but non-western cultures cannot relate to the criteria.
• The criteria that Jahoda outlines are vague and are therefore very difficult to measure.
• This is a holistic definition as it focuses on the individual.
• This definition can be used to help people become more self-aware and set their own goals in life.
• Most people do not reach self-actualisation but we do not call them abnormal.
• Jahoda's criteria set very high standards for people to achieve in life.