Deviation from ideal mental health

• It is a positive approach This definition focuses on the positives rather than the negatives. It offers an alternative perspective on mental disorder that focuses on the'ideal'- what is desirable rather than what is undesirable. Even though Jahoda's ideas were never really taken up by mental health professionals, the ideas have had some influence and are in accord with the 'positive psychology' movement (see the humanistic approach on page 136). A strength of this approach, therefore, lies in its positive outlook and its influence on humanistic approaches.
• A weakness - ethnocentric

  • Jahodo criteria has been developed using Western standards and therefore playing. This is to collective cultures may be inappropriate.
  • For example, most Western cultures are individualist, in which case the criteria outlined by Jahoda seems a reasonable fit. But non-western coaches can't relate to the criteria she outlines.
  • The criteria of autonomy makes the collective escalators where the greater good and helping relying on others is encouraged seem abnormal.