failure function adequately

• what is the definition of failure to function adequately?

  an inability to cope with day-to-day living
• this definition sees individuals as abnormal when....?


  when their behaviour suggests that they cannot cope with everyday life
• when is behaviour considered abnormal?

  when it causes distress leading to an inability to function properly, like disrupting the ability to work or conduct satisfying interpersonal relationship
• how are such people often characterised\?

  by not being able to experience the usual range of emotions or behaviours
• what does the definition focus on?

  individual suffering , thus drawing attention to the personal experiences associated with mental disorders
• what do Rosenham and Seligman suggest?

  that personal dysfunction has seven features

  • the more they havr the more they are classed as abnormal
• name 3 of Rosenham and Seligman's features of personal dysfunction?

  • personal distress - includes depression and anxiety disorders
  • observer discomfort- displaying behaviour causing discomfort to others
  • irrationality- displaying behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational way
• what do clinicians use to assess how well individuals cope with everyday life?

  the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) which rates their level of social, occupational and psychological functioning
• give 3 strengths of the definition?

  • CHECKLIST - provides a practical checklist individuals can use to assess their level of abnormality
  • OBSERVABLE BEHAVIOUR- allows judgement by others of whether individuals are functioning properly as it focuses on observable behaviours
  • ASSESSES DEGREE OF ABNORMALITY- as the GAF is scored on a continuous scale it allows clinicians to see the degree to which individuals are abnormal and thus decide who needs psychiatric help
• give 3 limitations of the definition?

  • NORMAL ABNORMALITY - there are ties in life when it is normal to suffer distress eg grieving. the definition doesnt consider this
  • DISTRESS TO OTHERS- behaviour can cause disttress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional , while the person in question feels no distress (Stephen Gough- nakedrambler)
  • PERSONALLY REWARDING ABNORNALITY- a persons apparently dysfunctional behaviour may actually be rewarding eg an eating disorder may bring affection and attention from others