L2 - failure to functon adequately

Question 1

what is failure to function adequately

Answer 1

someone is unable to cope with day to day life due to psychological distress and discomfort

Question 2

how do psychologists assess failure to function adequately

Answer 2

GAF scale to assess rates of social, occupational and psychological functions
based on 7 criteria

Question 3

what are the 7 criteria by rosenhan and seligman for failure to function adequately

Answer 3

Suffering - psychological or physical
Unpredictability - unexpected behaviours caused by lack of control e.g. attempting suicide after failing test
Maladaptiveness - behaviour stops individuals from achieving life goals
Observer discomfort - causes discomfort to other people
Vividness - displaying unconventional behaviours
Irrationality - behaviour which cannot be explained rationally
Violation of moral standards/ideas - e.g. loudly talking to yourself publicly

Question 4

strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 4

uses GAF scale to accurately assess degree of abnormality
to see how well patient is coping with daily life

Question 5

2 weaknesses of failure to function adequately

Answer 5

• abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction, some have normal life but none of 7 criteria, e.g. harold shipman, same for reverse so may be inaccurate
• problematic as criteria are difficult to measure and analyse, subjective and lacks scientific and objectivity, occasions when criteria should be adhered to e.g. suffering during a loss