For a behavior to be identified by mental health professionals as indicating a disorder, it must:

• A. always involve a violation of legal or moral standards
• B. occur only in response to a specific traumatic event
• C. cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
• D. be considered unusual by the majority of people in society

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, a behavior is typically classified as a disorder based on specific criteria related to its impact on the individual's life, rather than solely on legality, morality, or rarity.
2. Recognize that violating legal or moral standards alone does not define a psychological disorder, as some behaviors may be illegal or immoral but not indicative of a mental health condition.
3. Note that a behavior occurring only in response to a specific traumatic event may be a reaction but does not necessarily qualify as a disorder unless it leads to significant dysfunction.
4. Focus on the key criterion that a behavior must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning to be identified as a disorder by mental health professionals.
5. Understand that being unusual or uncommon in society is not sufficient for a behavior to be classified as a disorder; the critical factor is the negative impact on the individual's functioning and well-being.