Definitions of abnormality: failure to function adequately
Failure to function adequately defines someone as abnormal when they can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life. This includes being unable to hold a job, maintain relationships, or look after themselves.
Real World
A university student whose severe anxiety stops them attending lectures, socialising, or maintaining personal hygiene would meet this definition because their day-to-day coping has broken down, even if their behaviour is not statistically rare.
Exam Focus
Link Rosenhan and Seligman's signs (personal distress, maladaptive behaviour, observer discomfort) to a specific scenario for marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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