Definitions of abnormality-Failure to function adequately

Question 1

A01

3.Failure to function adequately

Answer 1

States individuals are abnormal when they are unable to cope with demands of everyday life

Question 2

A01

Rosenhan & seligman identified signs of when ppl fail to function adequately

Answer 2

• When person experiences severe personal distress
• When a persons behaviour becomes irrational & dangerous
• When a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g maintaining eye contact

Question 3

A03

takes into account the patient’s
perspective

Strength

Answer 3

• FFA definition of abnormality takes into account the patient’s own
  perspective of the mental disorder by recognising their personal experiences
  so the final diagnosis will be comprised of the patient’s (subjective) self reported symptoms & psychiatrist’s objective opinion.
  This may lead to accurate diagnoses of mental health disorders

Question 4

A03

Abnormality is normal

Limitation

Answer 4

> FFA definition does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormally, in case of
bereavement-ppl fail to cope with,
thus to label ppl as abnormal unfair when ppl cope with circumstances differently

Question 5

A03

Discrmination & social control

Limitation

Answer 5

• easy to label standard life choices as abnormal
  E.g. ppl who complete unusual spiritual activities are labelled as abnormal
  also discriminates against those cultures who make different life choices, E.g. Travellers, who may not live at a permanent address
  thus ppl at risk of being labelled abnormal for unusal life choices & freedom of choice may be restricted