Abnormality : Failiure To Function Adequately by Rosenhan and Seligman Flashcards
Define failure to function adequately
This is a model of abnormality based on the fact that the person is unable to cope with day to day live such as having a job, or interacting well with others because they are experiencing psychological distress and discomfort. This will impact on their personal, social and occupational life.
How do psychologists asses rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning?
They use the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale ( GAF ).
What are the 7 criteria by Rosenhan and Seligman that can help identify mental abnormality.
Sumo Viv
Suffering Unpredictability and loss of control Maladaptiveness Observer Discomfort Vividness and unconventionality Irrationality and incomprehensibility Violation of moral and ideal standards
Give the disadvantages of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
1) Abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction. Some people have a psychological abnormality but they still appear to lead a normal life and do not posses any of the 7 criteria. On the other hand, some people might appear to not be functioning adequately at all, but they might actually be quite normal and just having a bad day. Therefore it may be an inaccurate definition of abnormality.
2) The 7 criteria used in this definition can be very problematic as they are very difficult to measure and analyse. The model is very subjective and lacks being scientific and objective which means that psychologists need to be cautious when using this model to define abnormality. There might be also be occasions when some of the criteria should be adhered to because it would be the normal or right thing to do e.g. Showing signs of suffering if a loved one dies.
3) What may be seen as functioning adequately in one culture may not be adequate in an other. This means there will be different diagnoses in different cultures. It depends on what is seen as normal everyday life.
Give the positives of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
1) an advantage of the model is that using the GAF scale means that psychologists can accurately assess the degree of abnormality and how well the patient is / or is not coping with daily life.
2) another positive of it is that it takes into consideration how the individual feels. Th definition is focused on the individual and how they are managing in everyday life from their perspective. So if someone feels as though they are struggling they well be deemed abnormal and get help.
Give a description and example of suffering
Description : a person may be psychologically or physically suffering because they have a psychological abnormality that is having a negative effect on them
Example : anorexia - suffering = anxiety
Give a description and example of unpredictability and loss of control
Description: it is easy to predict what most people will do in situations. With bank abnormal people , their behaviour is very unpredictable, uncontrolled and inappropriate a lot of the time.
Example : multiple personality disorder, bipolar disorder
Give a description and example of maladaptiveness
Description : maladaptive behaviour patterns prevents an individual from achieving major life goals such as enjoying good relationships or getting a job.
Example : a mentally disturbed person cannot work and is usually very isolated due to their illness e.g. Gerald
Give a description and example of observer discomfort
Description : people who observe the behaviour of abnormal people feel uncomfortable because it breaks the unspoken social norms and rules they are used to.
Example : when abnormal people behave in a way that could be harmful to themselves such as Michel Lotitio eating razor blades.
Give a description and example of vividness and unconventionality
Definition : the behaviour of abnormal people tends to differ substantially from others. It is quite unusual. They experience sensations more vividly than others.
Example : non conformists are unconventional as they go against the norm and general social rules
Give a description and example of irrationality and incomprehensibility
Definition : others cannot comprehend / understand why an abnormal person would choose to act the way they do
Example : people may not be able to understand how or why people with objectum sexual disorder can be attracted to objects
Give a description and example of violation of moral and ideal standards
Definition : their behaviour may be seen as abnormal when it violates established moral standards
Examples : relationships that are deemed immoral such as pedophilia or incest
