ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to give a broad overview of the findings of a recent three year Q method study designed to explore and explicate the lay perspectives of mental health. In order to contextualise the findings, this paper will begin by offering a very brief review of the concept mental health with specific reference made to the lay perspective. An in-depth look at the methodology has been documented elsewhere (Herron, 1998a & b) therefore, it is not the purpose of this paper to replicate this information. Henceforth only a brief summary of the background of the study and the steps taken will be offered. The seven lay perspectives of mental health found in the current study are summarised individually. This paper will then culminate with a critical discussion of the specific and wider implications of these findings both in relation to the existing knowledge of the lay perspectives of mental health and for mental health promotion in general.
