51ºÚÁÏ

Clinical Psychology and Mental Health

Aligned with the new AQA A-Level Psychology Specification

This comprehensive and fully updated resource covers everything your students need to know for the Clinical Psychology and Mental Health topic under the new AQA A-Level Psychology specification.

From the definitions of abnormality to psychopathology and treatment, this resource clearly breaks down complex ideas into structured, accessible content, supported with real-world applications, evaluations, and recent research studies.

Content Overview

Definitions of Mental Illness
Deviation from ideal mental health, social and cultural norms (e.g., paraphilias), failure to function adequately, and statistical infrequency.
Evaluation: Considers cultural bias, high standards of Jahoda’s criteria, and the practical value of statistical norms in clinical settings.

Phobias – DSM-5-TR Classification
Behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics
The two-process model: Classical and operant conditioning
Treatments: Systematic desensitisation and flooding, including evaluations of virtual reality and NHS cost-effectiveness.

Depression – DSM-5-TR Classification
Full coverage of behavioural, emotional and cognitive symptoms
Cognitive explanations: Beck’s negative triad and Ellis’s ABC model, with contemporary evaluations and research evidence
Cognitive treatments: CBT and REBT, behavioural activation, relapse rates, client preferences, and limitations in trauma-related depression

OCD – DSM-5-TR Classification
Symptoms across behavioural, emotional and cognitive dimensions
Biological explanations: Genetics and neural systems, including candidate genes, serotonin, brain structures (e.g., frontal lobe)
Biological treatments: SSRIs, tricyclics, SNRIs, plus evaluation of cost, effectiveness, and innovative developments in pharmacology

Features of this Resource:
Clear summaries of each disorder’s classification and explanation
Application of recent research studies (e.g., Soomro 2008, Kayser 2020, Odgers 2022)

Evaluation points woven throughout to support AO3 skills
Designed to help students write effective 16-mark essays
End-of-topic student questions to consolidate knowledge and boost exam preparation