L2: Definition Of Abnormality- Failure To Function Adequately By Rosenham And Seligman Flashcards
Definition of failure to function adequately
- This model is based on the fact that a person cannot cope with day to day life like having a job or relationships due to their psychological distress.
- To recognise someone that is struggling, this definition could be used to indicate abnormality.
What do psychologists use to asses failure to function adequately?
Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) - this assesses rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning. It has 7 criteria, the more criteria that is met, the more abnormal the person is. Having all 7 criteria met at the same time could class the person as abnormal.
What is the 7 criteria.
SUMOVIV
- Suffering
- Unpredictability or loss of control
- Maladaptiveness
- Observer Discomfort
- Vividness and unconventionality
- Irrationality or incomprehensibility
- Violation of moral and ideal standards
Evaluation(+) - GAF
The GAF scale allows psychologists to accurately assess the degree of abnormality and how well the patient is coping with their daily life. If they aren’t, this could be an indication of failure to function adequately and therefore they could be abnormal.
Evaluation(-) - abnormality accompanied by dysfunction
Someone with abnromalities might not display a failure to function adequately, for example Harold Shipman who committed many murders but managed to function normally on a day to day basis. Contrastingly, someone who is failing to function adequately might just be having a bad day. This may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
Evaluation(-) - extent of judgement
This 7 criteria could be problematic as it is difficult to measure and analyse like judging if someone is actually suffering or not. To what extent can you class someone as suffering and how much should they be suffering to meet the criteria? The model is very subjective and lacks being scientific and objective.
