Discuss systematic desensitisation as a behavioural treatment for phobias
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss systematic desensitisation as a behavioural treatment for phobias. Refer to an unfamiliar phobia in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain how systematic desensitisation treats phobias and then evaluate its appropriateness and effectiveness. Because the question requires reference to an unfamiliar phobia, students should apply the stages of treatment to a specific example, particularly when constructing the anxiety hierarchy and explaining gradual exposure.
The current specification requires systematic desensitisation, including relaxation and use of a hierarchy, as a behavioural treatment for phobias. It also requires students to evaluate therapies and treatments in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO2 = 4, AO3 = 6
As this is an original 16-mark question requiring application to an unfamiliar phobia, an appropriate allocation is AO1 = 6, AO2 = 4 and AO3 = 6, following the structure used for 16-mark phobia questions that combine knowledge, application and discussion.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of systematic desensitisation is accurate and generally well detailed. Application to the unfamiliar phobia is effective. Discussion of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the treatment is thorough and effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of systematic desensitisation is evident but there are occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Application and/or discussion is mostly effective. The answer is generally clear and organised but may lack development in places. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of systematic desensitisation is present. The response is mainly descriptive. Application to the unfamiliar phobia and/or discussion is of limited effectiveness. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge of systematic desensitisation is very limited or muddled. Application and/or discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. Specialist terminology is absent or used inaccurately. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Systematic desensitisation
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Systematic desensitisation is a behavioural treatment for phobias.
It involves gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus rather than immediate exposure to the most feared situation.
The person learns relaxation techniques.
The therapist and client construct an anxiety hierarchy.
Situations involving the phobic stimulus are ranked from least anxiety-provoking to most anxiety-provoking.
The client gradually works through the hierarchy.
At each stage, the person practises remaining relaxed while encountering the feared stimulus or situation.
Progression occurs gradually until the individual can tolerate more anxiety-provoking situations.
Treatment aims to reduce the learned association between the phobic stimulus and fear and to reduce avoidance.
The specification explicitly requires relaxation and use of a hierarchy.
Relaxation
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
The client is taught techniques that help them reduce physical and psychological anxiety.
These may involve controlled breathing or deliberate muscular relaxation.
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