Ego-syntonic symptoms are characterized by:

• A. Symptoms conflict with self-perception.
• B. Symptoms feel consistent with self-image.
• C. Symptoms are only present in childhood.
• D. Symptoms are always voluntary.

Answer: (B)

Ego-syntonic symptoms feel consistent with a person’s self-image and beliefs; they are seen as part of who the person is and typically do not cause distress. That alignment with the individual’s identity is what makes them ego-syntonic. Because they fit the person’s sense of self, the person may not view these symptoms as problems and may even endorse them.

This is why the option describing symptoms as being in harmony with self-image is the best fit. In contrast, when symptoms conflict with how someone sees themselves or their goals, they’re described as ego-dystonic and they tend to be distressing. The other statements don’t capture the essential idea: ego-syntonicity isn’t about being present only in childhood or about being voluntary.