Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
How does the two-process model explain the acquisition and maintenance of phobias?
Activity 02
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.
What are the core components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression?
Activity 03
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.
How effective are drug therapies in treating OCD?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
CBT is just 'positive thinking'.
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.
Phobias are always caused by a traumatic event.
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.
Methods used in this brief
Origins and Basic Approaches
Tracing the emergence of psychology as a science, from Wundt's introspection to the learning, cognitive, and biological approaches. Students will compare the core assumptions of each paradigm.
8 methodologies
Definitions of Abnormality
Evaluating the different ways psychologists define abnormal behaviour, including statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health.
8 methodologies