Lesson 2 Failure to Function Adequately- Definition of Abnormality Flashcards
Rosenham and Seligman AO1
Used GAF to assess rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning
GAF
Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
Definition of failure to function adequately
A model of abnormality based on the fact that the person is unable to cope with day to day life such as having a job, or interacting well with others because they are experiencing psychological distress and discomfort
- will impact their personal, social and occupational health
Disadvantages of FFA
Abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction
- some people do have a psychological abnormality, but they still appear to lead a normal life and do not possess some any of the 7 criteria proposed by Rosenham and Seligman
- EXAMPLE, Harold Shipman committed several murders, but appeared to function adequately
The 7 criteria used in this definition can be very problematic as they are very difficult to measure and analyse
- how can we really judge if someone is suffering or not?
- model is very subjective and lacks being scientific/objective
- there may be occasions when some of the criteria should be adhered to because it would be normal or the right thing to do e.g. if a close relative passes away, then it would be acceptable for people to show signs of suffering rather than not
Advantages of FFA
Using GAF mean that psychologists can accurately assess the degree of abnormality and how well the patient is coping with their daily life.
- if the patient does not appear to be coping well in their social/occupational life then it could be concluded that the patient is not functioning adequately and is therefore abnormal
7 GAF criteria (SUMOVIV)
- violation of moral and ideal standards
- irrationality and incomprehensibility
- vividness and unconventionality
- observer discomfort
- maladaptiveness
- unpredictability and loss of control
- suffering
