Question 112 marks
Question
(a) Outline two common compulsions of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). [2] (b) Describe the psychodynamic explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). [4] (c) Explain one similarity and one difference between the psychodynamic explanation for OCD and genetic explanations for OCD. [6]
Mark scheme
1(a) Outline two common compulsions of body dysmorphic 2 Credit 2 types of camouflaging or grooming behaviour disorder (BDD). Skin picking, Award 1 mark for a basic outline of the term/concept – No credit to focus on body weight/weight loss, checking one compulsion body smell and applying deodorant, constant face washing. Award 2 marks for a detailed outline of the term/concept – two compulsions For example, • Camouflaging (with clothing, make-up, posture) • Mirror checking • Excessive grooming (shaving, tooth-brushing, hair- washing) • Comparing appearance to other people’s • Seeking cosmetic surgery Other appropriate responses should also be credited. 1(b) Describe the psychodynamic explanation for obsessive- 4 Adler’s explanation for OCD is also creditworthy – due to compulsive disorder (OCD). feelings of inferiority that drives individuals to achieve personal goals. Award 1–2 marks for a basic answer with some Must refer to anal phase (or outline it) and that the person understanding of the topic area. becomes stuck in this phase. Award 3–4 marks for a detailed answer with clear understanding of the topic area. OCD arises from the anal stage of psychosexual development. (1) There may have been difficulties between the child and parent at this stage when the child defecated or urinated (1). Children may become either anally expulsive or anally retentive and the individual may become fixated at this stage (1). Compulsive cleaning or other rituals may help to soothe the early childhood trauma (1). Could also be the id and the superego in conflict with each other.(1) The obsessive cleaning could act as an ego defence mechanism to deal with this conflict (1). Other appropriate responses should also be credited. 1(c) Explain one similarity and one difference between the 6 If more than one similarity/difference given, credit the best psychodynamic explanation for OCD and genetic similarity/difference. explanations for OCD. Likely similarities include: • Deterministic – In neither case does the individual have any control of their OCD. Genes not under personal control and neither are psychosexual stages. Both highly deterministic (hard determinism) • Influence of parents – Heritability of genes in genetic explanations and psychosexual stages influenced by upbringing, particularly in fixation due to punishment or shame. • Treatments/therapies – Psychoanalytic therapy (psychoanalysis) could be used from the psychodynamic explanation. Gene therapy is a potential treatment from genetic explanations. • Reductionist – explanation is at basic level (although less so for psychodynamic). Fails to take into account other factors influencing. Likely differences include: • Treatments – gene therapy not possible at this time but psychoanalysis is used for OCD and has some success • Types of determinism – biological (for genetic) and psychic (for psychodynamic) • Objective versus subjective – Gathering of evidence for genetic will be objective but for psychodynamic will be subjective and depend on interpretation • Nature vs nurture – genetic explanation purely nature but psychodynamic more nurture (though has elements of nature in the id). 1(c) Mark according to the levels of response criteria below: Level 3 (5–6 marks) • Candidates will show a clear understanding of the question and will explain one similarity and one difference • Candidates will provide a good explanation with clear detail. Level 2 (3–4 marks) • Candidates will show an understanding of the question and will explain one appropriate similarity (or difference) in detail OR one similarity and one difference in less detail. Level 1 (1–2 marks) • Candidates will show a basic understanding of the question and will attempt an explanation of a similarity (or difference). They could include both a similarity and a difference but just as an attempt. • Candidates will provide a limited explanation. Level 0 (0 marks) No response worthy of credit. Other appropriate responses should also be credited.