Which of the following best describes delinquency in the context of diagnosing psychological disorders?

• A. Delinquency refers to symptoms of anxiety experienced by adolescents.
• B. Delinquency refers to actions taken by an adolescent that break the law.
• C. Delinquency refers to academic achievement in adolescents.
• D. Delinquency refers to positive social behaviors among adolescents.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'delinquency' in the context of psychology, especially related to adolescents.
2. Step 2: Recognize that delinquency is commonly used to describe behaviors that violate legal norms or laws, particularly by young people.
3. Step 3: Differentiate delinquency from psychological symptoms such as anxiety, which are internal experiences rather than actions.
4. Step 4: Note that delinquency is not related to academic achievement or positive social behaviors, as these do not involve breaking laws.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of delinquency in diagnosing psychological disorders is that it refers to actions taken by an adolescent that break the law.