Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

172 Mental health as psychometric “normality”. This paradigm relies on empirical evidence and distinguishes between health and illness using psychometric instruments. This logic underlies the utilization of standardized psychiatric interviews for case identification in epidemiological or clinical studies, as well as a variety of instruments measuring different psychopathological phenomena, personality, intelligence, etc. Emphasizing the study of the validity, reliability, adequacy and screening capabilities of these instruments has enabled the application of the scientific method to investigate these issues and provide varying degrees of empirical evidence to clinical practice. The concept of positive mental health. Marie Jahoda (1958) stands as the foremost exponent of this paradigm. In the mid-1950s, she synthesized existing knowledge in the field and developed a set of characteristics for the concept of mental health along with criteria for assessing mental health status. Despite the value of her work that offers conceptual clarifications and operational criteria to study mental health, there have been no substantial subsequent developments nor has empirical research been strengthened under this paradigm. The model of Positive Psychology. It belongs to a long tradition within psychology, with notable contributors such as Abraham Maslow and Gordon Allport, who advanced the recognition of human needs and motivations as well as the concept of “mature personality”. In recent decades, Martin Seligman has further developed the concept of “learned optimism” based on progress made by cognitive psychology. This paradigm has evolved from a more idealistic and utopian conception to a more empirical one, enabling this study to be conducted better. Mental health as subjective well-being. This paradigm belongs to a longstanding tradition within psychology and features notable contributors like Abraham Maslow and Gordon Allport. They advanced the recognition of human needs and motivations, including the concept of a “mature personality”. In recent decades, Martin Seligman has further developed the concept of “learned optimism”, building upon progress in cognitive psychology. This paradigm has evolved from a more idealistic and utopian conception to a more empirical one, which facilitates the improvement of development and study. Mental health as socio-emotional intelligence. This idea emerged as a critique of studying intelligence as a purely cognitive function and aims to expand the concept of intelligence as the ability to act appropriately towards others and the environment. It emphasizes emotional processes as the basis for establishing good relationships with oneself, others and social organizations and institutions. This perspective has developed in the last few decades and incorporates knowledge from neuroscience. Notable