Definitions of abnormality - Failure to function adequately

Question 1

What is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality?

Answer 1

Not functioning adequately causes stress and suffering for the individual - a person may not be coping with life in a normal way.

Question 2

Who created the features of personal dysfunction?

Answer 2

Rosenhan and Seligman

Question 3

What are the features of personal dysfunction?

Answer 3

Personal distress
Maladaptive behaviour
Unpredictability
Irrationality
Observer discomfort
Violation of moral qualities
Unconventionality

Question 4

Failure to function adequately - personal distress

Answer 4

The individuals themselves may suffer as a result of their condition, or inflict suffering on others.

Question 5

Failure to function adequately - maladaptive behaviour

Answer 5

Behaviour prevents the person from reaching desired goals.

Question 6

Failure to function adequately - unpredictability

Answer 6

Behaviour is unexpected and unpredictable

Question 7

Failure to function adequately - irrationality

Answer 7

Behaviour seems to defy logical sense.

Question 8

Failure to function adequately - observer discomfort

Answer 8

Behaviour makes those around the person feel uncomfortable.

Question 9

Failure to function adequately - violation of moral qualities

Answer 9

Not behaving in accordance with society’s norms.

Question 10

Failure to function adequately - unconventionality

Answer 10

Others find the behaviour odd.

Question 11

Is it easy to assess the consequences of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality?

Answer 11

If a person consistently fails to perform everyday actions this could mean they are failing to function in a societal manner. This can be assessed by a questionnaire - quantitative data makes definition more objective.

Question 12

Is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality influenced by subjective judgements?

Answer 12

What may seem to one person as failing to function adequately may not be the same to another. This implies the definition lacks generalisability.

Question 13

Is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality more realistic?

Answer 13

Suggests it is not black and white as a person may decline due to circumstances. It is well rounded due to its emphasis on environmental and societal factors.

Question 14

Is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality culturally relative?

Answer 14

What may seem as failing to function adequately in one culture may not be in another, depending on social norms/values.. This means we cannot generalise the explanation.