A clinical psychologist assesses Sam after his family report that he spends several hours each evening arranging kitchen items symmetrically. Sam reports a ...
Question 1 Report
A clinical psychologist assesses Sam after his family report that he spends several hours each evening arranging kitchen items symmetrically. Sam reports a fear that something bad will happen if the arrangement is disturbed. The psychologist considers biological and behavioural factors before planning treatment.
(a) Name the mental health disorder most clearly suggested by Sam's characteristics. [1]
(b) Describe the difference between Sam's obsession and his compulsion. [2]
(c) Explain how operant conditioning could maintain Sam's arranging behaviour. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Obsessive compulsive disorder / OCD. [1]
(b) Obsession: the unwanted fear/thought that something bad will happen [1]. Compulsion: repeatedly arranging items symmetrically to reduce the anxiety [1].
(c) Arranging follows the obsession and produces short-term anxiety relief [1]. This relief is negative reinforcement because an unpleasant feeling is removed [1]. Therefore Sam is more likely to arrange items again when the fear occurs [1].
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
