Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Sarita is a 45 years old housewife. Her husband observed that Sarita's behaviour has changed in the past few months, as she seems to be constantly worried, is suspicious of others and very cautious of going out or even eating the food made by their maid. When asked, Sarita claimed that she hears someone is plotting against her and she may be attacked by others around her including her family members. She also complains of hearing voices of her family members and even strangers who speak ill of her. Sarita firmly believes that 'everyone should be nice to her as she is nice to everyone'. These experiences trouble her mentally, resulting into Alogia, social withdrawal, blunt affect and avolition.
Sarita's belief that she is being plotted against is known as delusion of ______.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → persecution
A delusion is a false belief that is firmly held on inadequate grounds; its type depends on what the person falsely believes.
Option (1) reference — Incorrect. In delusions of reference, people attach special and personal meaning to the actions of others or to objects and events. Sarita does not read hidden messages into events; she fears an attack.
Option (2) grandeur — Incorrect. In delusions of grandeur, people believe themselves to be specially empowered persons. Sarita feels threatened, not powerful.
Option (3) persecution — Correct. People with this delusion believe that they are being plotted against, spied on, slandered, threatened, attacked or deliberately victimised. Sarita believes someone is plotting against her and that she may be attacked, even by her family. It is the most common delusion in schizophrenia.
Option (4) control — Incorrect. In delusions of control, people believe that their feelings, thoughts and actions are controlled by others. Sarita does not say that anyone controls her mind.
NCERT: Psychology — Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders, Symptoms of Schizophrenia (2025-26)
|
