Failure to function adequately

How is failure to function adequately defined?

Someone is unable to continue their daily routine or cope with everyday life

What daily tasks are coping with everyday life?

Good personal hygiene, regular eating habits, attending work or school, socialising

What signs did Rosenhan and Seligman propose to determine if they are failing to function adequately?

No longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules, dangerous or irrational behaviour, experiences severe personal distress and causes distress to others

Depression

An example of failure to function adequately. Considered abnormal, unable to cope with everyday life, behaviour causes distress, discomfort to others

Strength

Represents a threshold for when people need professional help. Around 25% of people in the UK experience a mental health problem. People seek help when they FFA. Treatment, services can be targeted to those who need it

Limitation

Misses some abnormal behaviour, can cause discrimination and social control. Hard to say when someone is FFA and when they have chosen to go against social/cultural norms. People who make unusual choices are at risk of being diagnosed