'All impulse control disorders are caused by a person receiving positive reinforcement after engaging in a particular behaviour.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 9 Marks: use generic levels of response in table C. Syllabus: causes of impulse control disorders and non-substance addictive disorder; behavioural: positive reinforcement. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited): For: ∞ the behavioural explanation of learning has repeatedly shown that behaviour is strongly influenced by its antecedents ∞ positive reinforcement is the basis of explanations of ICDs such as that by Miller (feeling-states) ∞ this approach explains other abnormalities such as fears and phobias, and there are successful treatments based on these principles Against: ∞ cognitive explanations show that not all people respond in the same way to positive reinforcement (positive punishment can be rewarding for some people, such as attention seekers ∞ biomedical explanations would also suggest that behaviour is determined by dopamine, seratonin, etc. ∞ Freud would suggest that ICDs are the result of defence mechanisms, etc.