Lesson 2 - Definition Of Abnormality: Failure To Function Adequately

Question 1

Who proposed failure to function adequately?

Answer 1

Rosenhan & Seligman

Question 2

Define failure to function adequately

Answer 2

• model of abnormality based on the fact that the person is unable to cope with day to day life
• because they’re experiencing psychological distress and discomfort
• will impact personal, social & occupational life

Question 3

Ao1: failure to function adequately

Answer 3

• to recognise that a person isn’t functioning adequately could be an indicator of abnormality
• there are expectations about how we should live our lives & if someone can’t fulfil their obligations then this could be an indication that they aren’t functioning adequately
• Psychologists use GAF to assess rates of functioning

Question 4

How many criteria are there in the failure to function adequately model (by Rosenhan & Seligman) & what’s the anagram?

Answer 4

7
SUMOVIV

Question 5

What does the criteria tell us?

Answer 5

• the higher the number of criteria, the more abnormal the person is (7 is the highest)
• the lower the number of criteria, the more normal the person is (0 is the lowest)

Question 6

What’s S in SUMOVIV?

Answer 6

Suffering - psychologically or physically suffering because their abnormality is having a negative effect on them

Question 7

What’s U in SUMOVIV?

Answer 7

Unpredictability & loss of control -

Question 8

What’s M in SUMOVIV?

Answer 8

Maladaptiveness -

Question 9

What’s O in SUMOVIV?

Answer 9

Observer discomfort -

Question 10

What’s V in SUMOVIV?
(1)

Answer 10

Vividness & unconventionality -

Question 11

What’s I in SUMOVIV?

Answer 11

Irrationality & incomprehensibility -

Question 12

What’s V in SUMOVIV?
(2)

Answer 12

Violation of moral & ideal standards -

Question 13

Ao3: strength of failure to function adequately
(Using the GAF)

Answer 13

• means psychologists can accurately assess degree of abnormality & how well the patient is coping with their daily life
• if patient isn’t coping well then it could be concluded patient isn’t functioning adequately & thus is abnormal

Question 14

Ao3: weakness of failure to function adequately
(Abnormality isn’t always accompanied by dysfunction)

Answer 14

• some people have a psychological abnormality but appear to lead a normal life & don’t possess any of 7 criteria
• e.g. Harold Shipman committed many murders but still appeared to function adequately and normally in everyday life
• On the other hand, some people might appear to not be functioning adequately at all, but they might actually be quite normal and just might be having a bad day
• thus, failure to function adequately might be an inaccurate definition of abnormality

Question 15

Ao3: weakness of failure to function adequately
(7 criteria problematic as difficult to measure & analyse)

Answer 15

• how can we really judge if someone is suffering or not?
• How much suffering should they be experiencing?
• model is very subjective and lacks being scientific and objective which means that psychologists need to be cautious when using the model to define abnormality
• There might also be occasions when some of the criteria should be adhered to because it would be the normal or right thing to do.
• e.g. a close relative passes away, then it would be acceptable for people to show signs of suffering rather than not