Archit works in an office where he feels that he is being spied on. He is sure that people deliberately assign him more work as they want him thrown out on grounds of incompetence. Archit also feels that people tamper with his computer and call him from multiple numbers to attack his personal space. What kind of delusion is Archit suffering from?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Delusion of persecution
Option (1) Delusion of grandeur — Incorrect. Here people believe themselves to be specially empowered persons. Archit does not think he is great or powerful; he thinks others are against him.
Option (2) Delusion of reference — Incorrect. Here people attach special and personal meaning to the actions of others or to objects and events, as when a stranger’s remark is taken as a message meant for oneself. Archit’s belief goes further: he is sure others are acting to harm him.
Option (3) Delusion of control — Incorrect. Here people believe that their feelings, thoughts and actions are controlled by others. Archit does not say that anyone controls his mind; he says people spy on him and attack his space.
Option (4) Delusion of persecution — Correct. A delusion is a false belief firmly held on inadequate grounds. In delusions of persecution, the most common in schizophrenia, people believe that they are being plotted against, spied on, slandered, threatened, attacked or deliberately victimised. Archit feels spied on, believes work is piled on him on purpose to get him thrown out, and thinks his computer is tampered with.
NCERT: Psychology — Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders, Symptoms of Schizophrenia (2025-26)
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