Abnormality - failure to function adequately FTFA Flashcards
How does FTFA define someone as abnormal?
If they are unable to cope with everyday life.
According to FTFA, what does abnormal prevent an individual from doing?
Prevents them from being able to work and conduct satisfying relationships.
What type of distress does abnormal behaviour cause?
Personal distress as well as distress to others.
Who suggested the four key characteristics of FTFA?
Rosenham and Seligman
What year were the four characteristics of FTFA suggested?
1989
What are the 4 key characteristics of FTFA?
1 - Distress
2 - Unpredictable Behaviour
3 - Maladaptive behaviour
4 - Irrational behaviour
According to FTFA, how is distress a characteristic?
This is where someone’s behaviour causes distress to themselves and/or discomfort for others observing.
According to FTFA, how is ‘unpredictable behaviour’ a characteristic?
This is where someone’s behaviour is unexpected (e.g. laughing at bad news)
According to FTFA, how is ‘maladaptive behaviour’ a characteristic?
This is where someone’s behaviour is dysfunctional (not good for them)
According to FTFA, how is ‘irrational behaviour’ a characteristic?
This is when a person’s behaviour doesn’t make sense and is difficult to understand (can also cause observer discomfort).
Which characteristic is central to the FTFA definition?
Maladaptive behaviour
What disorder can be defined with FTFA?
Anorexia Nervosa.
How does FTFA define Anorexia?
It causes a person to self starve and become dangerously underweight; this behaviour is irrational and maladaptive.
What are the 4 evaluation points for FTFA?
- Doesn’t always indicate psychological abnormality.
- Mental disorders do not always prevent a person from functioning.
+ tried to include the patients perspective. - Ethnocentric (Harrison et al 1997)
One problem with this definition is that failing to function doesn’t always indicate psychological abnormality.
E: Sometimes people fail to function due to external factors rather than
E:
L:
