NCERT Class 12 Psychology Psychology: Chapter 4 — Psychological Disorders
This chapter, "Psychological Disorders," from NCERT Class 12 Psychology, delves into the understanding of abnormal behaviour and mental disorders. It begins by introducing the concept of maladaptive behaviour, which arises when individuals fail to adapt to life's challenges and environmental demands. The chapter outlines the 'four Ds' – deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger – as common features used to identify psychological abnormality. It explores various models and factors contributing to abnormal behaviour and provides a detailed description of major psychological disorders, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and others. The content aims to equip students with the knowledge to comprehend what goes wrong in psychological problems, their causes, and their symptoms, aiding their understanding of mental health within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Psychological Disorders |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 457 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic issues and criteria for identifying abnormal behaviour.
- Appreciate the factors contributing to the development of psychological disorders.
- Explain different models of abnormal behaviour.
- Describe the major categories and characteristics of psychological disorders.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Maladaptive | Behaviour that cannot be modified according to the needs of the situation. |
| Abnormal Psychology | The area within psychology focused on maladaptive behaviour, its causes, consequences, and treatment. |
| Deviance | Behaviour that is different, extreme, unusual, or bizarre. |
| Distress | Unpleasant and upsetting experiences for the person and others. |
| Dysfunction | Interference with the person's ability to carry out daily activities constructively. |
| Danger | Behaviour that may be dangerous to the person or to others. |
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Practice questions
- What is meant by maladaptive behaviour? Answer: Maladaptive behaviour refers to behaviour that cannot be modified according to the needs of the situation or environmental requirements.
- What are the 'four Ds' commonly used to identify psychological abnormality? Answer: The 'four Ds' are deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger.
- What is the focus of Abnormal Psychology? Answer: Abnormal Psychology is focused on maladaptive behaviour – its causes, consequences, and treatment.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT one of the 'four Ds' used to identify psychological abnormality?
Explanation: The four Ds are deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Discomfort is related to distress but is not one of the core four Ds.
Q2. The ability to modify one's behaviour in response to changing environmental requirements is known as:
Explanation: Adaptation refers to the person's ability to modify her/his behaviour in response to changing environmental requirements.
Q3. What does 'dysfunctional' behaviour imply in the context of psychological disorders?
Explanation: Dysfunctional behaviour interferes with the person's ability to carry out daily activities in a constructive way.
Q4. Carl Jung's quote about 'casting a shadow' suggests:
Explanation: Carl Jung's quote implies that acknowledging one's shadow or 'dark side' is part of being a whole human being.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Abnormal Psychology?
Abnormal Psychology focuses on maladaptive behaviour, exploring its causes, consequences, and treatment.
What does 'maladaptive behaviour' mean in the context of psychological disorders?
Maladaptive behaviour refers to behaviour that an individual cannot modify to meet the demands of their situation or environment.
What are the four common features used to identify psychological abnormality?
The four common features are deviance (unusual behaviour), distress (unpleasant feelings), dysfunction (interference with daily life), and danger (potential harm).
How does the chapter define psychological disorders?
Psychological disorders are defined by features such as being deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, and potentially dangerous.
What is the significance of adaptation in relation to psychological health?
Adaptation is the ability to modify behaviour according to environmental needs; failure in adaptation can lead to psychological problems.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Psychology — Psychology — Chapter 4 — Psychological Disorders. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.