5- Cognitive Explanations of Depression

Question 1

when was Becks cognitive theory of depression?

Answer 1

1967

Question 2

what did Beck create in order to help treat depression?

Answer 2

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Question 3

what did Beck believe was the cause of depression?

Answer 3

someone’s way of thinking makes them more prone to depression, a persons cognitions create vulnerability

Question 4

what are the main features of Becks theory?

Answer 4

• Negative self schema
• Faulty Information Processing
• Negative Triad

Question 5

whats a negative self schema?

Answer 5

a negative package of information towards yourseld

Question 6

whats a negative triad?

Answer 6

when someone maintains a negative and irrational perspective on the world

Question 7

whats faulty information processing?

Answer 7

can shape the attention of a person, the failure of paying attention properly

Question 8

what maintains a negative triad?

Answer 8

negative schemas and cognitive bias’

Question 9

what is the negative triad made from?

Answer 9

a negative view of:
1. Yourself: “im a failure” these thoughts enhance existing feelings and confirm low esteem
2. World: “no hope” creates a sense of there being no hope
3. Future: “things would never get better” reduces hope enhancing depressive feelings

Question 10

when was Ellis’ cognitive theory of depression?

Answer 10

1962

Question 11

what was the main theory behind Ellis’ cognitive theory of depression?

Answer 11

similar to Becks, Ellis thought that irrational thinking was a key feature of depression but unlike Becks he thought it was the trigger of depressive states

Question 12

what model did Ellis create to reflect his theory?

Answer 12

ABC model

Question 13

describe the ABC model

Answer 13

A= ACTING EVENT: external event occurs which triggers…
B= BELIEFS: a range of irrational beliefs and emotions which…
C=CONSEQUENCES: produces emotional and behavioural consequences

Question 14

list the three evidence pieces supporting Becks cognitive theory

Answer 14

1. Clark and Beck 1999
2. Grazioli and Terry
3. Cotard 1880

Question 15

outline Clark and Becks evidence

Answer 15

• meta analysis of studies relating to cognitive vulnerability
• provided detailed evaluations

Question 16

outline Grazioli and Terry

Answer 16

• 65 pregnant woman were assessed for cognitive vulnerability
• those with high vulnerability were more likely to suffer post-natal depression

Question 17

outline Cotards evidence

Answer 17

• false belief that you are dying
• 80% of sufferers show depression as a symptom

Question 18

list the three pieces of evidence that support Ellis’ theory for depression

Answer 18

1. Lipsy et al 1980
2. Krantz 1976
3. Bates 1999

Question 19

outline Lipsky et als evidence

Answer 19

• proved Ellis theory had practical applications as it was used to create successful therapy
• challenged negativity and reduced depression

Question 20

outline Krantz evidence

Answer 20

• depressed woman showed more errors when questions
• showing impact negativity had

Question 21

outline Bates 1999 research

Answer 21

• discovered depressed people exposed to more negative thoughts became more depressed

Question 22

what are the strengths of Becks theory of depression?

Answer 22

• has research strength
• real world application i.e. CBT
• partial application HOWEVER its not well explained by cognitive explanations

Question 23

what are the strengths of Becks theory of depression?

Answer 23

• has research strength
• real world application i.e. CBT
• partial application HOWEVER its not well explained by cognitive explanations

Question 24

what are the strengths of Ellis’ theory?

Answer 24

• ## real world application REBT therapy

Question 25

what are the limitations of Ellis’ theory?

Answer 25

• only explains reactive depression
• poses ethical issues, ABC model ‘blames’ the patient