Nisha, aged 24, has frequent spells of sadness. Her psychologist explains them as the result of a hidden conflict between her wishes and her moral standards, of which she is not aware, and traces it to her early childhood. Identify the model the psychologist is using and choose the statement that is true of that model.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Psychodynamic model; it is the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models
Option (1) Behavioural model; it proposes that what has been learned can be unlearned — Incorrect. The second part is a true feature of the behavioural model. But that model sees disorders as learned maladaptive ways of behaving, so it does not fit Nisha's case.
Option (2) Cognitive model; it states that abnormal functioning can result from cognitive problems — Incorrect. The second part is true of the cognitive model, which looks at irrational assumptions and illogical thinking. The psychologist here speaks of an unconscious conflict, so this model does not fit.
Option (3) Psychodynamic model; it is the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models — Correct. A conflict the person is not aware of, traced to early childhood, is the psychodynamic view. Freud saw abnormal behaviour as a symbolic expression of unconscious mental conflicts. This model is also the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models.
Option (4) Humanistic-existential model; it focuses on broader aspects of human existence — Incorrect. The second part is true of the humanistic-existential model, which deals with self-actualisation and the freedom to give meaning to life. Nisha's case is explained by a hidden childhood conflict, so this model does not fit.
NCERT (2026-27): “FACTORS UNDERLYING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR … |