Introductory topics in Psychology common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing symptoms of depression with normal sadness

  Students often describe sadness as a normal, transient feeling rather than a persistent, pervasive symptom of depression.

  Fix itEmphasise that depression involves chronic low mood lasting at least two weeks, accompanied by other symptoms such as anhedonia, guilt, and changes in sleep or appetite.

• Confusing flooding with exposure therapy

  Students often describe flooding as a form of exposure therapy without recognising its unique features (intensity, lack of safety signal).

  Fix itClarify that flooding is a specific type of exposure that involves prolonged, intense exposure without a safety signal, whereas systematic desensitisation uses graded exposure with a safety signal.

• Confusing the negative triad with the ABC model

  Students often treat the negative triad as a subset of the ABC model or vice versa.

  Fix itClarify that the negative triad is a specific pattern of negative beliefs identified by Beck, whereas the ABC model is a broader process for analysing any belief triggered by an event.

• Confusing OCD with general anxiety disorders

  Students often describe OCD symptoms as simply ‘anxiety’ rather than recognising the distinct intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

  Fix itClarify that OCD involves specific obsessions and compulsions, not just heightened anxiety, and that the biological approach focuses on neural and genetic mechanisms rather than general anxiety.