deviation from ideal

• 4. Deviation from ideal mental health 

  Identifies characteristics people should possess to be considered normal. 
• JAHODA (1958) identified criteria by which mental health may be defined including: 

  • Autonomy – being independent and self-regulating. 
  • Accurate view of reality. 
  • Resisting stress – having effective coping strategies to deal with everyday stress. 
  • Environmental mastery – being able to adapt to different life changes. 
• Strengths and weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health

  • Strength - Use of tick list to diagnose – list of criteria of observable behaviours. 
  • Weakness - Subjective criteria – vague and difficult to interpret.