Psychopathology - 01 Definitions of abnormality (2-Failure to function adequately))

Question 1

What means that someone isn’t functioning properly?

Answer 1

-If they don’t meet the expectations about how people should live their lives and how they should contribute to the social group around them
-e.g. we expect people to feed and clean themselves properly go to work/school, maintain social relationships etc

Question 2

What signs did Rosenhan + Seligman (1989) say could be used to determine when someone isn’t coping? (3 signs)

Answer 2

-a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g. respecting personal space
-a person experiences severe distress
-a person’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others

Question 3

What does the GAF scale stand for?

Answer 3

Global Assessment of Functioning

Question 4

What does the GAF scale measure?

Answer 4

-how well individuals function in everyday life
-considers Rosenhan + Seligman’s sections and occupational functioning
-score 1-100 lower score = failure to function

Question 5

What does 91-100 suggest on the GAF scale?

Answer 5

-superior function in a wide range of activities
-life problems never seem to get out of hand
-is sought out by others because of his/her many positive qualities
-no symptoms

Question 6

What does 1-10 suggest on the GAF scale?

Answer 6

-persistent danger of severely hurting self or others
-recurrent violence OR persistent inability to maintain minimum personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death

Question 7

Strength of failure to function adequately (measurable)

Answer 7

-allows for the extent of the failure to function adequately to be measured
-means that the decision of whether a behaviour is abnormal or not can be made in a relatively objective way
-so we can decide who need help

Question 8

Strength of failure to function adequately (Behaviour is observable)

Answer 8

-can be seen by others around the individual because they may not get out of bed, or being able to keep a job
-means that problems can be picked up by others and others can intervene

Question 9

Limitations of failure to function adequately (exceptions to the rule)

Answer 9

-some behave difunctionally in response to stress but this does not mean that they are abnormal
-e.g. a student may experience extreme anxiety before and exam and neglect personal hygiene, normal sleep habits etc but this is not being psychologically abnormal

Question 10

Limitations of failure to function adequately (abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction)

Answer 10

-people with anti-social personality disorder (psychopaths) have been known to commit murder and still appear to lead a normal life
-such people must still be classified as abnormal