Which of the following is considered a traumatic experience according to the criteria for diagnosing psychological disorders?

• A. Having a disagreement with a friend
• B. Experiencing mild frustration at work
• C. Witnessing a serious car accident
• D. Feeling nervous before an exam

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a traumatic experience in the context of psychological disorders. According to diagnostic criteria (such as those in the DSM-5), a traumatic experience typically involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each option against this definition. Consider whether the event involves a threat to life or physical integrity, or witnessing such an event happening to others.
3. Step 3: Analyze 'Having a disagreement with a friend' and 'Experiencing mild frustration at work' — these are stressful but do not involve threats to life or serious injury, so they do not meet the trauma criteria.
4. Step 4: Consider 'Feeling nervous before an exam' — this is a common anxiety-provoking situation but does not involve trauma as it lacks exposure to serious harm or threat.
5. Step 5: Recognize that 'Witnessing a serious car accident' involves observing a potentially life-threatening event or serious injury, which fits the criteria for a traumatic experience in psychological diagnosis.