Psychopathology - Definitions Of Abnormality (Continued) Flashcards
What is the definition of failure to function adequately?
Failure to function adequately occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living.
When is someone failing to function adequately?
Martin Seligman (1989) proposed some signs that can be used to determine when someone is not coping. These include:
When a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules, for example maintaining eye contact and respecting personal space.
When a person experiences severe personal distress.
When a person’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others.
How does failure to function adequately relate to intellectual disability disorder?
One of the criteria for diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder was having a very low IQ However, a diagnosis would not be made on this basis only – an individual must also be failing to function adequately before a diagnosis would be given.
What is one evaluation point of failure to function adequately?
A strength of failure to function adequately is that it does attempt to include the subjective experience of the individual. It may not be an entirely satisfactory approach because it is difficult to assess distress, but at least this definition acknowledges that the experience of the patient (and/or others) is important.
In this sense, the failure to function definition captures the experience of many of the people who need help. This suggests that failure to function adequately is a useful criterion for assessing abnormality.
What is another evaluation point of failure to function adequately?
A limitation of this definition is that it is hard to distinguish it from deviation from social norms. For example, those who live alternative lifestyles or take part in extreme sports may be seen as behaving ‘abnormally,’ even though they are simply making different choices. This could lead to unfair labelling and discrimination.
What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health?
Deviation from ideal mental health occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.
What does ideal mental health look like, according to Marie Jahoda (1958)?
Jahoda (1958) suggested that we are in good mental health if we meet the following criteria:
We have no symptoms or distress.
We are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately.
We self-actualise (reach our potential).
We can cope with stress.
We have a realistic view of the world.
We have good self-esteem and lack guilt.
We are independent of other people.
We can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure.
What is one evaluation point of deviation from ideal mental health?
A strength of deviation from ideal mental health is that it is very comprehensive. It covers a broad range of criteria for mental health. In fact, it probably covers most of the reasons someone would seek help from mental health services or be referred for help. The sheer range of factors discussed in relation to Jahoda’s ideal mental health make it a good tool for thinking about mental health.
What is another evaluation point of deviation from ideal mental health?
A limitation of this definition is that it sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health. Very few of us attain Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health, and probably none of us achieve all of them at the same time or keep them up for very long. Therefore, this approach would see pretty much all of us as abnormal.
