Deepak is having difficulty in selecting the course he wishes to purs…

With reference to the case below, answer the following question.

Deepak is a class 12 student who is unable to decide which course to pursue after 12^th. He is having difficulty in deciding between Physics and Economics as he likes to study both the subjects and wants to pursue them in undergraduation. Due to this he is unable to focus on any other goal. His friends and family are also posing demands on him which is making him feel frustrated. To overcome this he started deep breathing and following a diet.

Deepak is having difficulty in selecting the course he wishes to pursue, which means he is experiencing _______ along with frustration.

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Conflict

Option (1) Jealousy — Incorrect. Jealousy is the feeling of resentment at a rival, often the fear of losing someone’s affection to another person. Deepak is not competing with anyone; he cannot choose between two subjects.

Option (2) Aggression — Incorrect. Aggression is behaviour meant to harm others, by words or by force. Deepak harms nobody; he is unable to decide.

Option (3) Envy — Incorrect. Envy is wanting what someone else has. Nothing in the case compares Deepak with another person.

Option (4) Conflict — Correct. Conflicts occur between two or more incompatible needs or motives, for example whether to study dance or psychology. Deepak likes both Physics and Economics and wants to pursue both, but can take only one, so he is in conflict.

NCERT (2025-26): “Psychological Stress … Frustration results from the blocking of needs and motives by something or someone that hinders us from achieving a desired goal. There could be a number of causes of frustration such as social discrimination, interpersonal hurt, low grades in school, etc. Conflicts may occur between two or more incompatible needs or motives, e.g. whether to study dance or psychology. You may want to continue studies or take up a job. There may be a conflict of values when you are pressurised to take any action that may be against the values held by you.…”