Problems With The Definition Flashcards
Why is this definition culturally biased?
It is also culturally biased- in different cultures there may be different ideas about what is perfect functioning.
Psychological abnormality is not necessarily indicated by function alone, for example…
Some people chose to go on hunger strikes or to live in a basic way in order to protest against social injustice. Other people seem to be functioning perfectly well, get up and go to work, but may exhibit psychopathic behaviour in another sphere.
Elaborate on how failure to function is sometimes the cause rather the outcome of mental illness?
Sometimes failure to function is the cause rather than the outcome of mental illness - if you are a single mother with five children and no support you literally cannot function and this may lead you to mental illness.
Example of an exception to the rule
Lastly there are often exceptions to the rule - a student may not function in the week leading up to exams but this may not be a sign of psychopathology.
