This ________ model of mental disorders emphasises the interaction between predisposition and stressors that may lead to psychopathology.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Diathesis-stress model
Option (1) Biological Model — Incorrect. This model says abnormal behaviour has a biochemical or physiological basis, such as faulty transmission of messages between neurons. It looks at biology alone and has no place for the stressors that set a disorder off.
Option (2) Diathesis-stress model — Correct. It states that psychological disorders develop when a diathesis (biological predisposition to the disorder) is set off by a stressful situation. Its three components are the diathesis, which may be inherited, the vulnerability it carries, and the presence of pathogenic stressors that may lead to psychopathology. The disorder comes from the interaction of the two.
Option (3) Cognitive Model — Incorrect. This model holds that abnormal functioning results from cognitive problems: irrational and inaccurate assumptions about oneself, illogical thinking and overgeneralisation. It speaks of faulty thinking, not of a predisposition meeting stress.
Option (4) Psycho dynamic model — Incorrect. Psychodynamic theorists believe behaviour is determined by psychological forces within the person of which she/he is not consciously aware, and abnormal symptoms are the result of conflicts between these forces. It does not rest on a biological predisposition.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 07-06-2026 (Slot 2).
NCERT (2025-26): “Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour … Psychological factors are also emphasised by the cognitive model. This model states that abnormal functioning can result from cognitive problems.…” “Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour … In addition to these models, one of the most widely accepted explanations of abnormal behaviour has been provided by the diathesis-stress model. This model states that psychological disorders develop when a diathesis (biological predisposition to the disorder) is set off by a stressful situation.…” |