According to psychologists, the definition of abnormality has four features -
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Deviance, Dysfunction, Danger, Distress
Most definitions of abnormality share common features, often called the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger. Psychological disorders are deviant (different, extreme, unusual), distressing (unpleasant and upsetting to the person and to others), dysfunctional (interfering with the ability to carry out daily activities) and possibly dangerous (to the person or to others).
Option (1) Defiance, Dysfunction, Danger, Deviance — Incorrect. Defiance means openly refusing to obey; it is not one of the four Ds, and distress is missing.
Option (3) Defiance, Demoralization, Danger, Deviance — Incorrect. It has two wrong words: defiance, and demoralization (loss of confidence and hope). Distress and dysfunction are missing.
Option (4) Demoralization, Dysfunction, Danger, Deviance — Incorrect. Demoralization takes the place of distress, which is the fourth D.
NCERT (2025-26): “Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders … Although many definitions of abnormality have been used over the years, none has won universal acceptance. Still, most definitions have certain common features, often called the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger. That is, psychological disorders are deviant (different, extreme, unusual, even bizarre), distressing (unpleasant and upsetting to the person and to others), dysfunctional (interfering with the person’s ability to carry out daily activities in a constructive way), and possibly dangerous (to the person or to others).…” |