How to Revise Addiction — AQA A-Level Psychology
Addiction is conceptualized as a complex, multifaceted disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The study area encompasses the transition from initial use to dependence, examining the interplay between biological vulnerability (neurochemistry), psychological mechanisms (learning and cognitive theories), and social influences. It evaluates the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral interventions, alongside the Prochaska six-stage model of behavior change, to understand the mechanisms of recovery and relapse within a biopsychosocial framework.
Examiner Tips for Addiction
- Ensure you can clearly distinguish between physical and psychological dependence.
- When discussing gambling, be specific about the role of partial and variable reinforcement schedules.
- Be prepared to apply the theory of planned behaviour and Prochaska’s model to specific addictive scenarios.
Key Marking Points
- Distinction between physical and psychological dependence
- Definitions of tolerance and withdrawal syndrome
- Risk factors: genetic vulnerability, stress, personality, family influences, and peers
- Nicotine addiction: brain neurochemistry (dopamine) and learning theory (cue reactivity)
- Gambling addiction: learning theory (partial and variable reinforcement) and cognitive theory (cognitive bias)
- Reducing addiction: drug therapy, behavioural interventions (aversion therapy, covert sensitisation), and CBT