Abstract

The author's aim here is to philosophically analyze the notion of positive mental health. Defining characteristics of positive mental health are described, drawing on modern psychiatric, psychoanalytical, psychological, and philosophical literature. The author finds that it is impossible to draw decisive conclusions about what characteristics constitute positive mental health, and suggests a general theory of health. Lennart Nordenfelt's holistic theory of general health is chosen to guide the rest of the discussion. The author is affiliated with Malmo University, Sweden. This book is based on his PhD thesis in the Department of Health and Society at Linkoping University. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR.