A woman was treated by Glover (2011) for kleptomania. She had a 14-year history of daily compulsive shoplifting and was treated with covert sensitisation. At a 19-month follow-up she was free of stealing behaviour apart from one lapse, and there were corresponding improvements in her self-esteem and socialisation.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] 1 mark for partial answer, 2 marks for elaboration/example. Example can be anything appropriate.
2. [2] if above definition is given award 2 marks.
3. Covert sensitisation is a form of behaviour therapy in which an undesirable behaviour is paired with an unpleasant image in order to eliminate that behaviour.
4. Desensitisation is opposite, so 0 marks.
5. [1-2] 1-2 marks basic answer
6. [3-4] 3-4 marks detail/elaboration.
7. It was decided to use imagery of nausea and vomiting paired with the act of stealing.
8. Episodes of imagery were used involving increasing nausea as she approached an article in a supermarket which she intended to steal, leading to vomiting as she lifted the article, with other shoppers' attention being attracted to her.
9. The vomiting and other unpleasant sensations ceased as soon as she replaced the article, turned away and left the shop
10. [1] 1 mark for description, 2 marks for direct difference (e.g. X is and Y is) x2
11. CS: client imagines engaging in the event (e.g. stealing) and experiencing negative consequences (such as vomiting).
12. ID: uses progressive muscle relaxation with imagery of successfully avoiding event (e.g. stealing)
13. CS: person creates an imagined unpleasant association between addictive behaviour and unpleasant stimulus.
14. ID: relaxation based. Imaginal desensitisation significantly decreased the heightened state of arousal and anxiety typically associated with gambling urges
15. [1] 1 mark for each for/against argument (however detailed) up to 4 max.
16. [1] 1 mark for conclusion.
17. Note: If three (or more) arguments for one side, best two credited. If one side only, max 2 marks.
18. Techniques can be applied by anyone, in any place at any time.
19. Behavioural techniques focus on alleviating the symptoms of ICD rather than the cause
20. Behavioural techniques are more likely to be generalised because all people can learn and ‘unlearn' following the same principles
21. No medication is taken; the patient cannot become addicted to medication.
22. The therapist will guide the patient through the treatment.
23. Behavioural techniques take time and effort from the person (unlike swallowing a pill)
24. The techniques do not cure the ICD, merely make it easier to live with
25. Behavioural techniques ignore the role of biochemicals
26. A therapist is needed which is more costly than taking a drug.
27. Sensitisation involves imagining something unpleasant in association with the event, so is 'negative' rather than imaginal desensitisation which is more 'positive'
28. Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has been presented. 1 mark if appropriate. A conclusion is a 'decision reached by reasoning' and so a summary of points already made scores 0 marks.