In the context of psychology, which of the following best defines xenophobia?

• A. A psychological disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest
• B. A tendency to attribute one's own thoughts and feelings to others
• C. An irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures
• D. A process of learning through observation and imitation of others

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'xenophobia' by breaking down its roots: 'xeno-' means foreign or strange, and '-phobia' means fear or aversion.
2. Step 2: Recognize that xenophobia refers to an emotional or attitudinal response, specifically an irrational fear or dislike, rather than a clinical psychological disorder or a cognitive bias.
3. Step 3: Compare the options given: the first option describes symptoms of depression, the second describes projection (a defense mechanism), and the fourth describes observational learning, none of which relate to xenophobia.
4. Step 4: Identify that the correct definition aligns with an irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures, which matches the meaning of xenophobia.
5. Step 5: Conclude that xenophobia is best defined as an irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures, distinguishing it from other psychological concepts.