LS2 - Failure To Function Adequately

Question 1

Who Created Failure To Function Adequately

Answer 1

Rosenhan & Seligman

Question 2

What Is Failure To Function Adequately

Answer 2

model of abnormality- states an individual is unable to cope with day to day life due to psychological distress and discomfort, impacting their personal, social and occupational life.

Question 3

Purpose Of Failure To Function Adequately

Answer 3

indicate whether someone is abnormal, and identify possible mental illnesses

Question 4

What Does It Mean To Not Function Adequately?

Answer 4

failing to function adequately= If someone can’t fulfil societal expectations on how to live life

Question 5

Global Assessment Of Function Scale (GAF)

Answer 5

• scale used to rate how serious a mental illness may be

- used to assess rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning.

Question 6

Failure To Function Adequately Model

Answer 6

7 criteria that can help define mental abnormality.

The higher the number of criteria met = more abnormal and vice Versa - allows psychologists to see degree of abnormality

Question 7

The 7 Criteria (SUMOVIV)

Answer 7

Suffering.
Unpredictability & Loss Of Control. 
Maladaptiveness.
Observer Discomfort. 
Vividness & Unconventionality. 
Irrationality & Incomprehensibility.
Violation of moral and ideal standards

Question 8

Suffering

Answer 8

person might be psychologically/physically suffering due to a psychological abnormality that’s having a negative effect on them.

Question 9

Unpredictability & Loss Of Control

Answer 9

Abnormal individuals behaviour is often variable, uncontrolled, inappropriate- but can also happen occasionally (drinking)

Question 10

Maladaptivness

Answer 10

Prevents individual from achieving major life goals (relationships, job) - but can also be due to lack of relevant knowledge/ skills

Question 11

Observer Discomfort.

Answer 11

Observers are obviously in discomfort from viewing these behaviours - but discomfort can stem from cultural differences

Question 12

Vividness & Unconventionality

Answer 12

• behaviour differs substantially from how majority behave - but same is true for non-conformists and eccentrics

Question 13

Weaknesses Of Failure To Function Adequately

Answer 13

Abnormality not always accompanied by dysfunction.

The 7 criteria are difficult to measure and analyse. - subjective

Question 14

Strength of Failure to function adequately

Answer 14

GAF scale = psychologists can accurately assess degree of abnormality and how well patient is/isn’t coping with daily life.
-Not coping well = not functioning adequately and abnormal

Question 15

Abnormality isn’t always accompanied by dysfunction.(-)

Answer 15

• Abnormal people may not possess any of the 7 criteria.
• E.g. Harold Shipman (a mass murderer) still appeared to function adequately according to the scale.
• People may also appear to not function adequately but just having a bad day.

Question 16

The 7 Criteria Are Difficult To Measure And Analyse.(-)

Answer 16

model is subjective and lacks being scientific ->psychologists must be careful when using the model.
-Some of the criteria would sometimes be the right thing to do e.g. it is right to suffer after the loss of a loved one.

Question 17

Violation of moral and ideal standards

Answer 17

Behaviours can violate established moral standard - but may be out of date imposed by political leader