Ravi's father and uncle both suffered from depression. A psychologist describes how Ravi himself developed depression, step by step:
Step 1: Ravi has inherited a biological aberration.
Step 2: ________
Step 3: Ravi loses his job and faces severe stress, and his condition develops into depression.
Which of the following correctly fills Step 2?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Ravi carries a vulnerability that makes him 'at risk' of developing the disorder
Option (1) Ravi learns maladaptive ways of behaving by imitating others' behaviour — Incorrect. This is the behavioural model, where disorders are learned, here by social learning. It is a separate explanation and not a step of the diathesis-stress sequence that starts from an inherited aberration.
Option (2) Ravi is labelled 'mentally ill' and gradually learns to play the sick role — Incorrect. This is the socio-cultural view of societal labels and roles. A label comes from society, so it cannot be the middle step here.
Option (3) Ravi draws broad, negative conclusions on the basis of a single insignificant event — Incorrect. This is overgeneralisation, a cognitive problem named by the cognitive model. It is about illogical thinking.
Option (4) Ravi carries a vulnerability that makes him 'at risk' of developing the disorder — Correct. The steps follow the <strong>diathesis-stress model</strong>. After the inherited aberration (diathesis) comes the second component: the diathesis carries a <strong>vulnerability</strong>, so the person is 'at risk' or predisposed. Only then do <strong>pathogenic stressors</strong> like job loss turn it into a disorder.
NCERT (2026-27): “FACTORS UNDERLYING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR … |