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The cognitive approach to explaining depression (Evaluation (Support for…
The cognitive approach to explaining depression
key terms
ABC model - a cognitive approach to understanding mental disorders, focusing on the effect of irrational beliefs on emotions.
negative third - a cognitive approach to understanding depression, focusing on how negative expectations about the self, world and future lead to depression.
Schema - a cognitive framework that helps organise and interpret information in the brain. A schema helps an individual to make sense of new information.
Ellis' ABC model (1962)
A) refers to an activating event (e.g. you get fired at work).
B) is the belief which may be irrational or rational (e.g. 'The company was overstaffed or I was sacked because they've always had it in for me')
C) is the consequence - rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions (e.g. acceptance) whereas irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotions (e.g. depression).
Musturbatory thinking
the most irrational important beliefs
I must be approved of or accepted by people i find important
I must do well or very well, or i am worthless
The world must give me happiness, or i will die
An individual who holds such assumptions is bound to be, at the least, disappointed at worst, depressed.
Beck's negative triad (1967)
negative schema
adopted through childhood - having a negative view of the world
lead to systematic cognitive biases in thinking. For example, individuals over-generalise, drawing a sweeping conclusion regarding self-worth on the basis of one small piece of negative feedback.
The negative schema
The self; for example: 'I am just plain undesirable, what is there to like? I'm unattractive and seem to bore everyone.'
The world (life experiences);for example; 'I can understand why people don't like me. They would all prefer someone else's company. Even my boyfriend left me.'
The future; for example: 'I am always going to be on my own, there is nothing that is going to change this.'
Evaluation
Support for the role of irrational thinking
Blames the client rather than situational factors
Practical applications in therapy
Irrational beliefs may be realistic