Which of the following best completes the definition: a psychological disorder is a syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance ________________?

• A. in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior
• B. that is always caused by genetic factors
• C. that is temporary and resolves without intervention
• D. that only affects physical health

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a psychological disorder is defined by a pattern or syndrome that significantly disrupts normal functioning.
2. Recognize that the disturbance must affect key areas such as cognition (thinking), emotion regulation (managing feelings), or behavior (actions).
3. Eliminate options that are incorrect because they either limit causes (e.g., only genetic factors), duration (e.g., temporary without intervention), or focus solely on physical health, which is not the primary criterion.
4. Focus on the option that highlights disturbances in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior, as these are core aspects of psychological disorders.
5. Conclude that the best completion of the definition is: 'a syndrome marked by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.'