PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - Failure to Function Adequately

Question 1

Failure to function adequately definition

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Failure to function adequately AO1

Answer 2

• To recognise that an individual is not functioning adequately could be an indicator of abnormality
• In society, there are expectations about how we should live our lives (have a job), and if someone cannot fulfil their obligations then this could be an indication that they are not functioning adequately
• Global Assessment of Functioning Scale is used to assess rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning
• Rosenhan and Seligman made 7 criteria that can help define abnormality
• When several of the criteria are present together at the same time, then the person could be classed as abnormal
• This model allows psychologists to think in terms of the degree to which someone is abnormal/normal.

Question 3

How can a person be identified as abnormal according to the failure to function adequately model?

Answer 3

if someone cannot fulfil their obligations such as going to a job then this could be an indication that they are not functioning adequately

Question 4

What scale is used to assess rates of social, occupational and psychological functioning in the failure to function adequately model?

Answer 4

Global Assessment of Functional Scale

Question 5

What are the 7 criteria to define abnormality outlined by the failure to function adequately model? (SUMOVIV Rosenhan & Seligman)

Answer 5

• Suffering
• Unpredictability and loss of control
• Maladaptiveness
• Observer discomfort
• Vividness and unconventionality
• Irrationality and incomprehensibility
• Violation of moral standards

Question 6

Describe the ‘Suffering’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 6

A person might be psychologically or physically suffering because they have a psychological abnormality that is having a negative effect on them

Question 7

Describe the ‘Unpredictability and loss of control’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 7

if an individual is unable to predict or control their own behavior or the consequences of their actions

Question 8

Describe the ‘Maladaptiveness’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 8

behaviors, traits, or patterns that are not conducive to an individual’s well-being or effective functioning in their environment

Question 9

Describe the ‘Observer Discomfort’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 9

behaviors or characteristics that cause discomfort, distress, or unease in others who observe or interact with the individual. These behaviors may violate social norms, cultural expectations, or ethical standards, leading to discomfort or concern among those witnessing the behavior.

Question 10

Describe the ‘Vivideness and unconventionality’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 10

behaviors or experiences that are strikingly different from the norm and that significantly stand out in terms of their intensity, vividness, or unconventional nature

Question 11

Describe the ‘Irrationality and incomprehensibility’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 11

behaviors that are challenging for others to understand or interpret as a result of a lack of sound reasoning or logic

Question 12

Describe the ‘Violation of moral standards’ criteria outlined by Rosenhan and Seligman in the failure to function adequately model.

Answer 12

behaviors or actions that go against commonly accepted ethical or moral principles within a given society or cultural context. These behaviors represent a departure from the expected societal norms and values

Question 13

Outline the disadvantages of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality.

Answer 13

1) 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 any of the 7 criteria. An example is that Harold Shipman committed many murders, but still appeared to function adequately and normally in everyday life. On the other hand, some people might appear to not be functioning adequately at all, but they might actually be quite normal and just might be having a bad day. Therefore failure to function adequately might be an inaccurate definition of abnormality.

2) The 7 criteria used in this definition can be very problematic as they are very difficult to quantify. How can we really judge if someone is suffering or not? How much suffering should they be experiencing? The model is very subjective and lacks being scientific and objective which means that psychologists need to be cautious when using the model to diagnose abnormality. There might also be occasions when some of the criteria should be adhered to because it would be the normal or right thing to do. An example is that if a close relative passes away, then it would be acceptable for people to show signs of suffering.

Question 14

Outline an advantage of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormailty.

Answer 14

using the GAF scale means that psychologists can accurately assess the degree of abnormality and how well the patient is/or is not coping with their daily life. If the patient appears to not be coping very well in their social/occupational life then it could be concluded that the patient is not functioning adequately and is therefore abnormal