failure to function adequately

what does failure to function adequately mean ?

person is unable to cope with daily life

give an example of failing to function ?

show maladaptive behaviours such as poor hygiene , inability to maintain relationships

who identified characteristics of failing to function adequately ?

Rosenham and Seligman 1989

what were the 4 characteristics of failing to function ?

• personal distress - suffering from psychological distress and recognising this failure to function

• observer discomfort - behaviour causes distress to others

• unpredictable behaviour - behaviour isn’t appropriate for context eg laughing at funeral

• irrational behaviour - behaviour makes no sense to others

what is a limitation of this definition ?

• not all people are aware of their failure to function

• eg schizophrenic people don’t realise their abnormal behaviour and so don't seek out any help

• thus getting help is up to family/friends not the individual

what is another limitation of this definition ?

• not all people with mental health issues have problems functioning

• for example - people with depression or anxiety mostly have to continue with work/education despite mental health condition

• definition doesn’t reflect those that don’t fit characteristics but have a definitive mental health issue - ignores biological

what is a strength of the definition ?

• based on measurable , objective characteristics

• pre - made characteristics to look for eg irrational behaviour

• Doctors can easily determine if help is needed

• makes treatment more efficient and targeted towards needs

• useful for 25% of population that need mental health help