Definitions Of Abnormality (pt2)

Question 1

Describe what is meant by failure to function adequately

Answer 1

The line between normal and abnormal. At a point where they can no longer cope with demands of everyday life eg. Nutrition, hygiene etc….

Question 2

List the three signs someone is not coping identified by Rosenhan and Seilgman

Answer 2

No longer conforms to interpersonal rules eg. Eye contact

Person experiences severe personal distress

When a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous

Question 3

How does failure to function adequately link to intellectual disability disorder?

Answer 3

Low IQ + failure to function adequately link to IDD

Question 4

Describe the support for failure to function adequately (AO3)

Answer 4

Attempts to include subjective experience of the individual.

However, it’s difficult to assess distress but at least it acknowledges the experience of the individual

Captures experience of many people who need help

Question 5

Describe one limitation of failure to function adequately (AO3)

Answer 5

In practice it can be hard to say when someone is actually failing to function adequately when they may just be deviating from social norms.

Eg. Not having a job is failing to function adequately. If we treat these behaviours as failures we risk limiting personal freedom and discrimination

Question 6

Describe what is considered by deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 6

Consider what makes people normal

Question 7

Who did research into deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 7

Jahoda

Question 8

List Jahoda’s 8 items for good mental health

Answer 8

No distress
Can cope with stress
Rational and can perceive ourselves accurately
Self actualise
Realistic view of the world
Good self esteem and lack guilt
Independent
Successfully work and enjoy leisure

Question 9

Describe the support for deviation from ideal mental health (AO3)

Answer 9

Covers a broad range of criteria for mental health. Probably covers most of the reasons someone would seek help for mental health issues.

Good tool for thinking about mental health

Question 10

Describe one limitation for deviation from ideal mental health (AO3)

Answer 10

Some of Jahodas classification are specific to Western Europe and USA (culture bound)

Eg. Emphasis on personal achievement which may be considered self indulgent in the rest of the world as the emphasis is not on family.

(Individualist culture)