Introduction & Effects of Mental Health (AQA GCSE Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8182

9 mins3 questions
11 mark

Read the following conversation.

Corrine: “I was prescribed painkillers for the injuries from my accident. I think I may have an addiction to these painkillers. I am not actually taking them because I am in pain any more. I just don’t seem to be able to control using them. And now it’s starting to damage my friendships and making it difficult to go to work.”

Doctor: “Is that because you are giving painkillers a higher priority than other things?”

Corrine: “I think so. I know it’s harmful to take so many but the desire is just so strong. I have difficulties coping with my day-to-day life without them.”

Doctor: “It seems likely that taking unnecessary painkillers will affect your physical wellbeing. It’s important we talk about the types of interventions available to you.”

Significant mental health problems, such as addiction, have an effect on both individuals and society.

Identify one individual effect that Corrine is experiencing.

26 marks

Read the following article.

Time to Change

Time to Change was a mental health campaign in England. It was designed to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by those with mental health problems. Time to Change was run by the charities Mental Health Media, Mind, and Rethink Mental Illness and started in 2007.

Research by Henderson and Thornicroft (2013) found that between 2008 and 2011, the amount of discrimination reported by people who used various mental health services had significantly decreased. This was a change from the previous 10–15 years. Earlier research had shown a lack of improvement in the levels of stigma and discrimination in a number of western countries.

The recorded rates of significant mental health problems have changed over time. A number of reasons have been suggested for these changes.

Two possible reasons are increased awareness of mental health problems and a decrease of the social stigma around them.

Using your psychological knowledge, discuss both of these possible reasons for changes in the recorded rates of mental health problems.

Refer to the article in your answer.

32 marks

Suggest one social effect of significant mental health problems in society.