Delusions are characterized by:

Delusions are characterized by:

• A. Heightened sensory perception
• B. Beliefs that lack any basis in reality
• C. Emotional instability
• D. Behavioral incoherence

Answer: (B)

Delusions are defined as firmly held beliefs that are contradicted by reality or rational argument. These beliefs persist despite evidence to the contrary and are not commonly shared by others in a cultural context. This characteristic sets them apart from other psychological phenomena, making option B the most accurate description of delusions. The other options, while they may reflect different psychological issues, do not specifically encapsulate the nature of delusions. Heightened sensory perception relates more to certain types of perceptual disturbances or states rather than to false beliefs. Emotional instability can be a characteristic of various mental health disorders but does not define delusions. Similarly, behavioral incoherence may be associated with a variety of conditions, yet it does not solely describe the aspect of holding unrealistic beliefs. Thus, the defining feature of delusions is their foundation in false beliefs without a basis in reality.

Delusions are defined as firmly held beliefs that are contradicted by reality or rational argument. These beliefs persist despite evidence to the contrary and are not commonly shared by others in a cultural context. This characteristic sets them apart from other psychological phenomena, making option B the most accurate description of delusions.

The other options, while they may reflect different psychological issues, do not specifically encapsulate the nature of delusions. Heightened sensory perception relates more to certain types of perceptual disturbances or states rather than to false beliefs. Emotional instability can be a characteristic of various mental health disorders but does not define delusions. Similarly, behavioral incoherence may be associated with a variety of conditions, yet it does not solely describe the aspect of holding unrealistic beliefs. Thus, the defining feature of delusions is their foundation in false beliefs without a basis in reality.