In the context of abnormal behavior, which of the following criteria is most commonly used to determine whether a psychological disorder is present?

• A. The behavior is considered unusual only in certain cultures.
• B. The behavior is rare but does not interfere with daily functioning.
• C. The behavior deviates significantly from societal norms and causes distress or impairment.
• D. The behavior is always dangerous to others.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, determining whether a behavior qualifies as a psychological disorder involves multiple criteria, including deviation from norms, distress, impairment, and danger.
2. Recognize that cultural context matters; a behavior might be unusual in one culture but normal in another, so cultural relativity is important but not the sole criterion.
3. Identify that rarity alone does not define a disorder; a behavior must also cause significant distress or impair daily functioning to be considered abnormal.
4. Focus on the key criterion that a psychological disorder typically involves behavior that deviates significantly from societal norms and leads to distress or impairment in functioning.
5. Note that while danger to self or others can be a factor, it is not always present in psychological disorders and thus is not the most commonly used criterion.