Failure to Function Adequately

• Failure to Function Adequately

  Definition: When an individual cannot cope with everyday life and responsibilities.

  • Examples: Severe depression may prevent maintaining basic hygiene or holding a job.
  • Evaluation: Helps identify when treatment is needed, but subjective; relies on judgments about what "adequate" functioning is.
• Criteria for "Failure to Function" (Rosenhan & Seligman)

  1. Personal distress - e.g., experiencing extreme sadness or anxiety.
  2. Maladaptive behavior - behaviors that hinder goals.
  3. Irrationality - behavior that appears illogical.
  4. Unpredictability - unexpected behavior patterns.
• Evaluation of Failure to Function Adequately

  • Strength: Clear indication of when someone might need help.
  • Weakness: Not all "failing to function" cases are abnormal (e.g., extreme sports or spiritual practices).
• Evaluation Extra - Failure to Function

  • Critique: Some behaviors may appear abnormal but aren't (e.g., spiritual or extreme sports).
  • Key Point: Context and cultural norms affect judgments of abnormality.
• • Failure to Function Adequately: Struggles in coping with daily life.
• Real-World Application - "Panfidele" Example

  • Case Study: An individual struggles with daily responsibilities due to severe mental health issues.
  • Focus: Highlights the practical application of failure to function adequately.
• Discrimination and Social Control

  • Issue: Failure to function as a concept can sometimes be misused to control or stigmatize certain lifestyles (e.g., choosing alternative or unconventional ways of living).
• Cultural Relativism in Definitions of Abnormality

  • Explanation: Both "failure to function" and "ideal mental health" are culturally specific.
  • Implication: Criteria vary widely across cultures; some ideals may not be achievable or relevant in all societies.
• Check Your Understanding

  • Explain what is meant by failure to function adequately (3 marks)