CUET UG Booster Psychology-Psychological Disorders Unit 4 Test ( M1)

Psychology does not possess a universally accepted ideal model of human behaviour. Human behaviour varies across cultures, societies, and situations. Therefore, psychologists cannot compare behaviour against one fixed standard. Option A is correct because abnormality generally refers to deviation from accepted norms or standards. Option B is correct because many definitions of abnormality commonly include the "Four Ds" — Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger. Option D is correct because different psychological approaches define abnormality differently, and no single definition has achieved universal acceptance. Thus, Option C is the incorrect statement.

The Four Ds are widely used criteria to identify abnormal behaviour. Deviance refers to behaviour that is extreme, unusual, or bizarre compared to societal expectations. Therefore, 1 → c. Distress refers to emotional suffering or unpleasant feelings. Therefore, 2 → b. Dysfunction means inability to perform constructive daily activities effectively. Therefore, 3 → a. Danger refers to behaviour posing a threat to self or others. Therefore, 4 → d. Only Option A correctly matches all four concepts.

Deviance refers to behaviour that differs significantly from social or cultural norms. In this case, the teenager's behaviour is described as bizarre and unusual compared to the community standard. Distress is absent because the teenager is not feeling sad or emotionally upset. Dysfunction is absent because there is no indication that daily functioning is affected. Danger is absent because the behaviour is not harming self or others. Therefore, the behaviour mainly reflects deviance.

Distress refers to emotional, psychological, or behavioural suffering experienced by an individual and sometimes by people around them. Statement I is incorrect because distress is not limited to physical pain. Psychological discomfort is a major component. Statement II is correct because distress may upset both the affected individual and surrounding people. Statement III is incorrect because distress is one of the Four Ds criteria, not a conflicting view within the social norm approach. Hence, only Statement II is true.

Dysfunction refers to behaviour that interferes with a person's ability to perform normal daily activities effectively. In this case, the woman cannot work or care for her children because of excessive cleaning behaviour. This clearly reflects impaired functioning. Deviance focuses on unusual behaviour, but the key issue here is inability to function. Danger is not indicated because no threat to self or others is mentioned. Environmental adjustment is not part of the Four Ds criteria. Thus, dysfunction is the best answer.

Danger refers to behaviour that poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the individual or other people. Option C correctly captures this definition. Option A is incorrect because danger is not limited to threats against societal values. Option B is incorrect because danger is broader than suicidal behaviour alone. Option D is incorrect because no single criterion among the Four Ds is compulsory by itself. Therefore, Option C is correct.

Psychological models explain maladaptive behaviour as a gradual process. The first stage is facing exceptional stress in the environment (II). Stressful life situations challenge the individual's adjustment ability. The second stage is inability to cope or modify behaviour (IV). The person fails to adapt effectively to environmental demands. This inability leads to development of maladaptive behaviour (I), where unhealthy behavioural patterns emerge. Finally, persistent maladaptive behaviour results in failure of adaptation (III), meaning the individual cannot function effectively within environmental expectations. Thus, the correct sequence is II → IV → I → III.

The process of adaptation failure begins with the presence of life challenges (I). These challenges demand behavioural adjustment. When the individual cannot modify behaviour according to needs and circumstances, inability to adapt develops (III). As a result, unhappiness, discomfort, and anxiety appear (II), reflecting psychological distress caused by maladjustment. Thus, the correct conceptual order is: Life challenges → inability to modify behaviour → emotional discomfort. Therefore, Option A is correct.

The social norm approach defines abnormality based on whether behaviour conforms to accepted cultural or societal standards. In this scenario, society values cooperation and harmony, but the individual displays aggressive and highly competitive behaviour. Since the behaviour violates socially accepted norms, it is considered abnormal according to the social norm approach. The maladaptive approach focuses on whether behaviour interferes with functioning, not merely social disapproval. The diathesis-stress approach explains disorders through vulnerability and stress interaction. The biological approach explains abnormality using physical or neurological causes. Therefore, Option B is correct.

The maladaptive approach evaluates whether behaviour supports healthy functioning and well-being. Statement II is correct because even socially accepted behaviour may be considered abnormal if it harms optimal functioning or adjustment. Statement III is also correct because this approach examines whether behaviour promotes the well-being of both the individual and society. Statement I is incorrect because defining normality solely through social conformity reflects the social norm approach, not the maladaptive approach. Thus, Statements II and III align with the maladaptive approach.

• According to the social norm approach, abnormality is defined by the society the person lives in. A society's norms are rooted in its culture. NCERT defines culture as including history, values, institutions, habits, skills, technology, and arts. These elements combined dictate what behavior is considered "normal" or "deviant" within that specific social group.

• Option B is the incorrect statement. Society's values are not fixed; they change over time due to shifts in technology, law, and social movements. For example, behaviors that were once considered abnormal (like certain political views or lifestyles) may become normal as a society evolves. Therefore, behavior deviation is a relative and evolving concept, not a fixed one.

• Optimal functioning (1) is defined by whether behavior fosters or hinders the actualization of potential (D). → Well-being (2) is a state involving maintenance, survival, growth, and fulfillment (A). → Vulnerability (3) refers to the potential for developing psychological problems (C) when faced with stress. → Maladaptive behaviour (4) is the inability to cope (B) with environmental demands, leading to failures in living.

• In the context of the maladaptive approach, well-being is not just about "staying alive" (maintenance). Drawing from humanistic psychologists like Abraham Maslow, it includes the actualization of potential. This means becoming the best version of oneself and fulfilling one's inherent capabilities. If behavior hinders this, it is considered maladaptive.

• The provided passage states: "The stigma attached to mental illness means that people are hesitant to consult a doctor or psychologist because they are ashamed of their problems." This highlights that the barrier to treatment is social and emotional (shame/stigma) rather than a lack of medical technology or proof of existence.

• The passage opens by noting that people have "vague ideas... characterised by superstition, ignorance and fear." This is the core misconception. The author contrasts this with the reality that a psychological disorder is a "failure in adaptation" and should be viewed with the same medical seriousness as any other physical illness.

• Abnormal Psychology is the scientific study of psychological disorders. Its clinical focus is threefold: identifying the causes (etiology), understanding the consequences for the individual and society, and developing effective methods of treatment to help the individual regain adaptation.

• In a clinical progression, the researcher/clinician first looks at Causes (II) to understand the root of the maladaptation. They then evaluate the Consequences (I)—how much distress or dysfunction it is causing. Finally, with this knowledge, they can design and Administer Treatment (III).

• Successful adaptation is a two-step process: First, the environment changes (I), and second, the person successfully modifies their behavior (III) to meet those changes. If Step II (inability to cope) occurs, it is no longer "successful adaptation"—it becomes maladaptation. Therefore, the sequence of success skips the "inability" phase.

• Statement I is the textbook definition of adaptation. → Statement II is the textbook definition of maladaptation (failure to modify). → Statement III is false because adaptation requires awareness and response to environmental changes, not ignoring them. Ignoring requirements is a form of maladaptation.