Contrast one individual approach (psychological, not biomedical) and one group approach to the treatment of one disorder.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “contrast” requires candidates to give an account of differences between one individual approach and one group approach to the treatment of one disorder.

Expect a range of different approaches to treatment to be offered in response to the question. Individual treatments could include, but are not limited to: systematic desensitization, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and person-centred therapy. Group approaches could include, but are not limited to: group cognitive therapy, group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), or family therapy.

Responses could contrast:

• the effectiveness of the two approaches to treatment
• the role of the therapist
• appropriateness for different cultural contexts
• ethical considerations
• gender differences
• cost in time and money
• strengths and limitations of the approaches to treatment.

If a candidate contrasts the use of one individual approach and one group approach to the treatment of more than one disorder, credit should be given only to the part of the response relevant for the first disorder.

Candidates may address the use of one individual approach and one group approach to the treatment of a general disorder (for example, an eating disorder) or a more specific type of disorder (for example, anorexia/bulimia). Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Possible disorders likely to be addressed are major depressive disorder, anorexia and bulimia, but other disorders are equally acceptable.

Although the focus of the question is on individual and group approaches, candidates may, as part of the response, include reference to a combination of biomedical and other approaches. However, contrasting a biomedical approach with either an individual approach or a group approach to treatment is not appropriate.

If a candidate contrasts the use of one individual approach and one group approach to treatment but does not refer to a specific disorder, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [4] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [5] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate compares and contrasts the use of one individual approach and one group approach to treatment rather than contrasting, the response should be awarded up to full credit for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [5] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate only compares the use of one individual approach and one group approach to treatment rather than contrasting, the response should be awarded up to full credit for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate only describes and evaluates one approach to treatment with no specific reference to another approach to treatment, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.