Which of the following best describes how a psychologist should perceive a student who exhibits bullying behavior when diagnosing psychological disorders?

• A. Assume the student is simply acting out and does not require any psychological assessment.
• B. Label the student as inherently aggressive without considering environmental or psychological factors.
• C. Consider the bullying behavior as a possible symptom of an underlying psychological disorder, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.
• D. View the bullying behavior as normal adolescent development and ignore it in the diagnostic process.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that psychologists approach behaviors like bullying by considering multiple factors, including environmental, psychological, and developmental influences, rather than making immediate assumptions about the individual's character.
2. Step 2: Recognize that bullying behavior can sometimes be a symptom of underlying psychological disorders, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, which require careful assessment and diagnosis.
3. Step 3: Avoid labeling the student as inherently aggressive without exploring the context and possible causes of the behavior, as this can lead to misdiagnosis and stigma.
4. Step 4: Consider that while some behaviors may be part of normal adolescent development, persistent or severe bullying should not be ignored and warrants professional evaluation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best approach is to view bullying behavior as a potential indicator of an underlying disorder, prompting a thorough psychological assessment rather than dismissal or premature labeling.