Choose the correct option for identifying the features of a psychological disorder.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Deviance, danger, distress, dysfunction
Most definitions of abnormality share certain common features, often called the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger.
Option (1) Deviance, danger, distress, dysfunction — Correct. Psychological disorders are deviant (different, extreme, unusual, even bizarre), 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). All four are here.
Option (2) Danger, Distress, dysfunction, dependent — Incorrect. The first three are features, but ‘dependent’ is not one of the four Ds; deviance is missing.
Option (3) Danger, Aggression, Deviance, Distress — Incorrect. Aggression is not a defining feature; danger already covers harm to oneself or others. Dysfunction is missing.
Option (4) Dependent, Deviance, Delusional, Distress — Incorrect. Being dependent is not a feature, and being delusional is a symptom of schizophrenia, not a feature of every disorder. Danger and dysfunction are missing.
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).…” |