Failure to Function

• Abnormality- failure to function:

  • The idea that abnormal behaviour is when an individual cannot cope with everyday life- acknowledging that people might act differently but their behaviour is abnormal if they are unable to manage in day to day life.
  • Defined into 7 sections- unpredictability, maladaptive behaviour, personal distress, irrationality, observer discomfort, violation of moral standards, unconventionality.
  • Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) measures how well individuals function in everyday life using the seven sections and occupational functioning.
• Strengths of the definition:

  • Individual focused- allows the individual to get help based on how they feel and manage life
  • GAF scale is measurable- relatively objective which makes it more reliable
  • Failure to function is observable- can be noticed by others therefore others can intervene and help them

  Limitations of the definition:

  • Too much focus on the individual- doesn't consider the impact on those around them
  • Variation in 'coping'- people might hide their abnormal behaviour and everyday life changes societally, making it harder or easier to cope