deviation from ideal mental health

• Most of the criteria are culture bound to Western cultures since self-actualisation and autonomy are positive aspirations in individualistic cultures but not in collectivist cultures.

  Following this definition in collectivist cultures would mean deviating from social norms which determines the person as 'abnormal' even if they are trying to be normal by personal growth.
• According to these criteria, the majority of people are abnormal. The criteria may be too idealistic since few people experience personal growth all the time.

  And so, it gives a wider view on life for how people can have a positive mental health however it could cause stress if one cannot complete the criteria.

  Also, the criteria are difficult to measure as it is not easy to assess the capacity for personal growth or environmental mastery so it may not be useful in identifying abnormality in real-life situations.
• The definition is very comprehensive as it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health.

  This gives individuals a goal to work towards and so might be of practical value to someone wanting to understand and improve their own mental health.