AQA A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY 2026 – PAPER 1:
INTRODUCTORY TOPICS WITH COMBINED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Component
The therapist and client collaborate to clearly define the
client’s difficulties.
Together, they set therapy goals and develop a structured
plan to achieve them.
A key focus is identifying negative or irrational thought
patterns that need to be challenged.
Behavioural Component
After identifying unhelpful thoughts, CBT works to modify
them.
The final step is replacing them with healthier, more
effective behaviours.
Beck’s Cognitive Therapy
1. Initial assessment of the client
2. Establishing a baseline to track progress
3. Reality testing: challenging negative beliefs (e.g.,
questioning statements like “I always fail”)
, 4. Encouraging behavioural tasks to demonstrate the client’s
ability to succeed
Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
D: Disputing irrational beliefs
E: Developing effective, rational attitudes
F: Experiencing new emotional outcomes
Approach:
Identify irrational beliefs such as perfectionism (the idea
that everything must be perfect)
Challenge these beliefs using:
o Empirical arguments: Is there real evidence?
o Logical arguments: Does the belief actually make
sense?
, Replace irrational thoughts with more realistic and
balanced thinking
Behavioural Activation
Depression often leads to avoidance and social withdrawal
This avoidance reinforces low mood
Treatment focuses on gradually increasing engagement in
positive activities (e.g., exercise, social outings)
Unconditional Positive Regard
The therapist consistently shows respect and acceptance
toward the client
This helps the client feel valued and supports positive
changes in beliefs and attitudes
Strengths of CBT
Highly effective, especially for moderate depression
Comparable to antidepressants in many cases (e.g., research
evidence supports its effectiveness)
, Limitations of CBT
May not be suitable for severe depression where motivation
is low
Some individuals may require medication before engaging
in therapy
Focuses mainly on present issues, which may frustrate
those wanting to explore past experiences
May overlook external life circumstances influencing the
individual
Raises ethical concerns if broader context is ignored
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Definition
A mental disorder characterized by persistent intrusive
thoughts and repetitive behaviours
Obsession
Unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or
distress
Compulsion
Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce
anxiety
INTRODUCTORY TOPICS WITH COMBINED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Component
The therapist and client collaborate to clearly define the
client’s difficulties.
Together, they set therapy goals and develop a structured
plan to achieve them.
A key focus is identifying negative or irrational thought
patterns that need to be challenged.
Behavioural Component
After identifying unhelpful thoughts, CBT works to modify
them.
The final step is replacing them with healthier, more
effective behaviours.
Beck’s Cognitive Therapy
1. Initial assessment of the client
2. Establishing a baseline to track progress
3. Reality testing: challenging negative beliefs (e.g.,
questioning statements like “I always fail”)
, 4. Encouraging behavioural tasks to demonstrate the client’s
ability to succeed
Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
D: Disputing irrational beliefs
E: Developing effective, rational attitudes
F: Experiencing new emotional outcomes
Approach:
Identify irrational beliefs such as perfectionism (the idea
that everything must be perfect)
Challenge these beliefs using:
o Empirical arguments: Is there real evidence?
o Logical arguments: Does the belief actually make
sense?
, Replace irrational thoughts with more realistic and
balanced thinking
Behavioural Activation
Depression often leads to avoidance and social withdrawal
This avoidance reinforces low mood
Treatment focuses on gradually increasing engagement in
positive activities (e.g., exercise, social outings)
Unconditional Positive Regard
The therapist consistently shows respect and acceptance
toward the client
This helps the client feel valued and supports positive
changes in beliefs and attitudes
Strengths of CBT
Highly effective, especially for moderate depression
Comparable to antidepressants in many cases (e.g., research
evidence supports its effectiveness)
, Limitations of CBT
May not be suitable for severe depression where motivation
is low
Some individuals may require medication before engaging
in therapy
Focuses mainly on present issues, which may frustrate
those wanting to explore past experiences
May overlook external life circumstances influencing the
individual
Raises ethical concerns if broader context is ignored
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Definition
A mental disorder characterized by persistent intrusive
thoughts and repetitive behaviours
Obsession
Unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or
distress
Compulsion
Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce
anxiety
