| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 17N.Paper 2.BP.TZ0.02 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 02 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss cultural variations in the prevalence of psychological disorders.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review that includes a range of cultural variations in the prevalence of disorders.
The term “prevalence” refers to the percentage of individuals within a population who are affected by a specific disorder at a given time. The prevalence of any psychological disorder may be discussed.
Responses may include, but are not limited to:
• reference to an increase in diagnoses related to differences in cultural norms (for example, an increase in diagnoses of depression or eating disorders in women)
• addressing cultural factors that seem to increase the risk of developing affective or eating disorders
• reference to evidence that with increasing Westernization, rates of certain disorders tend to increase
• addressing changes in diagnostic screening which help mental health professions become more culturally aware in their diagnoses
• the prevalence of culture-bound disorders
• the interaction between biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors
• some prevalence rates are consistent across cultures, for example, schizophrenia
• how emic versus etic approaches affect prevalence rates.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
• Okulate et al. (2004) – core symptoms of depression are shared in different cultures
• Jaeger et al. (2002) – body dissatisfaction suggesting significant differences between cultures
• Dutton (2009) – cultural variations in prevalence of major depression could be due to cultural differences in stress, standard of living and reporting bias.
Candidates may discuss a small number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
Candidates may discuss (one or) a small number of disorders in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of disorders in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
