Discuss one or more cultural considerations in diagnosis.

Refer to the paper 2 markbands when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of cultural considerations relevant to diagnosis.

Discussion points may include, but are not limited to:

• how different cultures define abnormality
• classification systems may be culturally biased
• difference in prevalence rates across cultures
• changes in culture over time
• symptoms may be culturally determined
• emic versus etic approaches to diagnosis
• culture-bound syndromes
• “over-pathologizing” due to lack of understanding of different cultural norms.

Candidates may discuss one cultural consideration in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of cultural considerations in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

The focus of the response must be on cultural considerations in diagnosis. If cultural considerations related to abnormal psychology in general, or treatment of specific disorders, are addressed, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate discusses diagnosis but makes no reference to cultural considerations (for example, provides a general response about validity and reliability of diagnosis with no link to culture) 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.