4.1.2 Definitions of Abnormality: Failure to Function Adequately

Failure to function adequately

• States individuals are abnormal when they are unable to cope with everyday life and this is evident in their behaviour
• Abnormal behaviours include; distress leading to not being able to function, behaviour that interrupts the individual's ability to work or go to school
• Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has seven features and the more features an individual has, the more they are classed as abnormal
  
  

Rosenhan and Seligman's Features of Personal Dysfunction

Features of Personal Dysfunction	Description of Features
Personal Distress	Displaying behaviour which causes person stress to the sufferer e.g. not being able to hold down a job and so having a limited income.
Maladaptive Behaviour	Displaying behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals both socially and occupationally.
Unpredictability	Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control e.g. quitting a course after one bad mark in a test.
Irrationality	Displaying behaviour that cannot be explained rationally.
Observer Discomfort	Displaying behaviour causes discomfort to observers e.g not keeping good hygiene so it is unpleasant to be around that person.
Violations of Moral Standards	Displaying behaviour violating social norms e.g. loudly talking to oneself, loudly in the street.
Unconventionality	Displaying unconventional behaviours.

There are strengths to using 'Failure to function adequately' as a definition of abnormality:

• Observable behaviour 
  • This definition focuses on behaviours which can be observed in the individual, allowing others to judge if the individual appears to have abnormal behaviours
• Checklist
  • This definition provides individuals with a practical checklist to check their behaviour 
• Personal perspective
  • This definition allows the individual to have their own perspective of the mental disorder by recognising the personal experience of those suffering
• Represents a threshold for help
  • This definition provides a clear criteria for when individuals need professional help

There are limitations to using 'Failure to function adequately' as a definition of abnormality:

• Discrimination 
  • This definition labels individuals who make unusual life choices, E.g. those who complete unusual spiritual activities or base jumpers, as abnormal
  • This definition also discriminates against those cultures who make different life choices, E.g. Travellers, who may not live at a permanent address and choose not to work
• Abnormality is normal 
  • This definition does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormally, for example at the loss of a loved one, through a divorce, taking exams
• Abnormality and dysfunction do not always go together 
  • This definition does not explain people with dangerous personality disorders, such as psychopaths, who can appear normal, E.g. Harold Shipman a respected doctor who murdered over 200 patients but was seen as a respectable doctor