GCSEPsychologyAQAExam QuestionsPsychological Problems Introduction & Effects of Mental Health

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

Exam code: 8182

16 mins5 questions
1
1 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.

How did you do?

2
6 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.

How did you do?

3
2 marks

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

How did you do?

4
1 mark

Read the following information.

David regularly uses online betting apps. Over time, he has found that he spends more time gambling than he intends to, often ignores his responsibilities, and feels restless and distracted when he tries to stop. He is beginning to realise that his gambling behaviour may be harmful.

Identify one way David’s gambling behaviour could negatively affect his life.

How did you do?

5
6 marks

Read the following article.

Recent studies show rising anxiety rates in young people, linked to factors like constant social media use, high expectations, and escalating housing costs.

Meanwhile, researchers note that in clinical diagnosis, some minority cultural groups experience higher rates of misdiagnosis, suggesting there are biases in how symptoms are perceived by clinicians unfamiliar with different cultural norms.

The recorded rates of significant mental health problems have changed over time.

Two possible reasons are increased challenges of modern living and cultural variations in beliefs about mental health problems

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.

How did you do?