Which of the following best defines a psychological disorder?

• A. A physical illness caused by a virus or bacteria
• B. A temporary feeling of sadness or anxiety that resolves on its own
• C. A normal response to everyday stressors
• D. A syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of a psychological disorder by focusing on its key characteristics rather than physical causes or temporary emotional states.
2. Step 2: Recognize that psychological disorders involve a syndrome, which means a collection of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular condition.
3. Step 3: Identify that these symptoms must cause a clinically significant disturbance, meaning they interfere with an individual's normal functioning in cognition (thinking), emotion regulation (managing feelings), or behavior.
4. Step 4: Differentiate psychological disorders from normal responses to stress or temporary feelings by noting the persistence and severity of the disturbance.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of a psychological disorder is one that highlights a clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior, rather than physical illness or normal emotional reactions.