Psychology · Year 12 · Approaches and Psychopathology · 4.º Período

Explaining and Treating Disorders

Applying psychological approaches to specific disorders: the behavioural approach to phobias, the cognitive approach to depression, and the biological approach to OCD.

TL;DR:This topic applies the major psychological approaches to the explanation and treatment of specific mental disorders. Students look at the behavioural approach to phobias (the two-process model), the cognitive approach to depression (Beck's triad and Ellis's ABC model), and the biological approach to OCD (genetic and neural explanations). This allows students to see how theoretical assumptions translate into clinical practice.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA 4.1.4.3 The behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias
• AQA 4.1.4.4 The cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression

About This Topic

This topic applies the major psychological approaches to the explanation and treatment of specific mental disorders. Students look at the behavioural approach to phobias (the two-process model), the cognitive approach to depression (Beck's triad and Ellis's ABC model), and the biological approach to OCD (genetic and neural explanations). This allows students to see how theoretical assumptions translate into clinical practice.

In addition to explanations, students evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like Systematic Desensitisation for phobias, CBT for depression, and drug therapy for OCD. This requires a balanced look at success rates, side effects, and patient suitability. The topic bridges the gap between 'pure' psychology and its application in the NHS and mental health services.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of therapy through role plays of CBT sessions or by designing their own 'anxiety hierarchies'.

Key Questions

1. How does the two-process model explain the acquisition and maintenance of phobias?
2. What are the core components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression?
3. How effective are drug therapies in treating OCD?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

CBT is just 'positive thinking'.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that CBT is about identifying and challenging irrational thoughts with evidence, not just being 'positive'. Using the 'thought challenging' technique in class helps students see the logical, evidence-based nature of the therapy.

Common Misconception

Phobias are always caused by a traumatic event.

What to Teach Instead

While the two-process model suggests this, many people have phobias with no memory of a trauma. Discussing 'biological preparedness' (an innate fear of things like snakes) helps students see the limitations of a purely behavioural explanation.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

Systematic Desensitisation

In pairs, students design an 'anxiety hierarchy' for a common phobia (like spiders). One student plays the therapist guiding the 'patient' through relaxation techniques at the lowest level of the hierarchy.

40 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

The ABC Model

Groups are given 'irrational' scenarios. They must use Ellis's ABC model (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) to map out how a negative thought process leads to an emotional consequence, then 'dispute' the belief.

45 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Drugs vs. Therapy

Divide the class to debate the use of SSRIs versus CBT for treating OCD. Students must consider factors like cost, speed of effect, long-term success, and patient effort.

45 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the two-process model of phobias?

Proposed by Mowrer, this model suggests phobias are acquired through classical conditioning (learning by association) and maintained through operant conditioning (negative reinforcement through avoidance). Avoiding the phobic stimulus reduces anxiety, which makes the avoidance behaviour more likely to be repeated.

How does Beck's Cognitive Triad explain depression?

Beck suggested that depressed people have a 'negative schema' that leads them to have negative views of: 1. Themselves, 2. The world, and 3. The future. These three components interact to maintain a cycle of low mood and hopelessness.

How do SSRIs work to treat OCD?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain by preventing its reabsorption. This helps to regulate mood and reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions and compulsions of OCD.

How can active learning help students understand psychological treatments?

Active learning, like role playing a therapy session or mapping out an ABC model, makes the 'process' of treatment visible. Students move from knowing 'what' a therapy is to understanding 'how' it actually works to change a person's life. This practical insight is invaluable for evaluating the appropriateness and effectiveness of different treatments in exam questions.