Dysfunctionele

Dysfunctionele is a Dutch adjective meaning dysfunctional. It describes something that fails to perform its intended function under normal conditions or is defective in operation. The term is formed from dysfunction with the Dutch adjectival suffix -ele and is commonly used across domains to indicate impaired functioning. The related noun is dysfunctie (dysfunction).

In psychology and family studies, dysfunctionele describes patterns or interactions within families or among individuals that hinder development, well-being, or effective communication. Examples include dysfunctionele communication, relationship dynamics, or coping strategies. The expression is descriptive rather than a formal diagnosis, often appearing in clinical or academic writing as a shorthand for problematic functioning.

In medicine and biology, dysfunctionele can refer to organs, systems, or biological processes that do not work properly. For instance, a dysfunctional heart valve or other dysfuncties in physiological regulation. In research contexts, dysfunctionele circuits or cells denote those that do not perform their expected biological roles, contributing to disease models or therapeutic targets.

In technology and organizational contexts, dysfunctionele describes devices, software, or systems that fail to operate as intended. Dysfunctionele processes in an organization reflect misalignment, bottlenecks, or breakdowns in coordination, while dysfunctionele hardware or software can cause performance degradation or failure.

Etymology and critique: The term carries normative implications and can contribute to stigmatization when applied to people or groups. Critics advocate precise, context-sensitive language and emphasis on underlying causes rather than labeling outcomes as merely dysfunctionele. The concept emphasizes deviation from a defined functional baseline, which can vary by context and normative standards.