8. Ellis: REBT

Question 1

ABC model

Answer 1

Individuals make themselves emotionally healthy or upset by the way they think, not by the environment.
A = Activating events of life
B = Beliefs (Rational rB or Irrational iB)
C = Consequences (emotions and behaviours)

Question 2

For Ellis what causes psychopathology?

Answer 2

The frequency and intensity with which they emotionally upset themselves by relying on irrational thinking

Irrational beliefs are a cognitive lens, which life events go through

Question 3

Irrational beliefs

Answer 3

Basic assumptions in REBT: humans are influenced by two tendencies
- Irrational: think and behave irrationally
- Rational: dispute those for a self-actualizing life
Our emotions stem mostly from our beliefs.

Irrational beliefs are demanding and absolute modes that translate:
- desires into needs
- a want into a must
- a wish into a command
- needs as absolute truths and general to everyone

Question 4

11 irrational beliefs:
1+2

Answer 4

I must be loved by everyone, or i am not lovable
I must do everything well, or i am incompetent

Question 5

11 irrational beliefs:
3+4

Answer 5

I must damn others if they do not treat me well
I must damn life if things do not go well

Question 6

11 irrational beliefs:
5+6

Answer 6

I must control events and people because they control how i feel
I must worry about anything fearful or risky

Question 7

11 irrational beliefs:
7+8

Answer 7

I must avoid responsibilities and problems to be comfortable and content
I must depend on others or else my life or self will fall apart.

Question 8

11 irrational beliefs:
9+10+11

Answer 8

I must be controlled by my past and disturbed by anything that once disturbed me
I must damn others’ problems and be disturbed by them
I must damn life if I cannot find the perfect answer for human problems.

Question 9

Three basic musts that inevitably lead to self-defeat

Answer 9

• Musts about the self
• Musts about others
• Musts about the world