Which one is not associated with the 'four Ds' of Abnormality ?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Distraction

Most definitions of abnormality share the ‘four Ds’: deviance, distress, dysfunction and danger.

Option (1) Deviance — One of the four Ds (Incorrect). Disordered behaviour is deviant: different, extreme, unusual, even bizarre.

Option (2) Distraction — Not one of the four Ds (Correct). Being easily distracted is a sign of inattention, for example in children with ADHD; it is not a criterion used to define abnormality in general. The fourth D is dysfunction, behaviour that interferes with the person’s ability to carry out daily activities in a constructive way.

Option (3) Danger — One of the four Ds (Incorrect). Disordered behaviour is possibly dangerous to the person or to others.

Option (4) Distress — One of the four Ds (Incorrect). Disordered behaviour is distressing: unpleasant and upsetting to the person and to others.

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).…”