Miller (2010) proposed impulse control therapy which he developed from his feeling-state theory of impulse control disorders. This therapy uses what Miller calls the impulse control disorder protocol (ICDP), a procedure which uses a modified form of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] EMDR treatment involves identifying the trauma and the negative feelings and beliefs associated with the trauma.
2. [2] Eye movements are then used to process the trauma and feelings and install positive beliefs and feelings.
3. [2] Originally used to treat PTSD.
4. [4] Obtain history, frequency, and context of compulsive behaviour.
5. [4] Identify the specific aspect of the compulsive behaviour that has the most emotional intensity associated with it.
6. [4] Identify the specific positive feeling linked with the compulsive behaviour, along with its rating on the PFS.
7. [4] Locate and identify any physical sensations created by the positive feelings.
8. [4] The client combines an image of performing the (a) compulsive behaviour, (b) the positive feeling, and (c) physical sensations.
9. [4] Eye movement sets are performed (i.e. EMDR) while the client focuses on material (e.g., memory, feeling, image, sensation, thought) that was elicited during the prior set.
10. [4] Homework
11. [4] Second session: (steps 9–12) involving re-evaluations repeating steps 2–8 if needed
12. [2] both ICT and ID are treatments for ICDs;
13. [2] both ICT and ID involve a therapist conducting the treatment;
14. [2] both ICT and ID require the patient to imagine exposure to the trauma;
15. [2] ICT involves eye movements; ID involves progressive muscle relaxation (2 marks);
16. [2] ICT involves eye movements ID does not = 1 mark;
17. [2] ID involves progressive muscle relaxation ICT does not = 1 mark;
18. [5] Strengths: Asking people directly means that participants are given the opportunity to express their feelings and explain their behaviour rather than the researcher trying to work out reasons for their behaviour from other methods;
19. [5] Strengths: Relatively large numbers of participants can be involved relatively easily. Questionnaires are easy to replicate. Same for telephone interviews;
20. [5] Strengths: Data can be qualitative, but may also be quantitative depending on type of question;
21. [5] Weaknesses: Some participants may provide socially desirable responses; not give truthful answers; respond to demand characteristics;
22. [5] Weaknesses: Closed/fixed choice questions may force people into choosing answers that do not reflect their true opinion and therefore may lower the validity;
23. [5] Weaknesses: Researchers have to be careful about use of leading questions; it could affect the validity of the data collected.
24. [5] Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has been presented. (1 mark)