ABCDE Model Flashcards
What does the “A” in the ABCDE model stand for?
Activating Event – something that happens in your environment.
What does the “B” in the ABCDE model stand for?
Belief – your interpretation or evaluation of the activating event.
What does the “C” in the ABCDE model stand for?
Consequence – the emotional and behavioural result of your belief.
What does the “D” in the ABCDE model stand for?
Disputation – challenging the irrational belief.
What does the “E” in the ABCDE model stand for?
Effective New Belief – replacing the irrational belief with a more helpful one.
In the ABCDE model, what causes emotional distress: the event or the belief?
The belief (B), not the event (A), causes emotional distress.
Give an example of an Activating Event (A).
“I didn’t get the job.”
What irrational belief (B) might follow from not getting a job?
“I’m a failure; I’ll never succeed.”
What is a possible Consequence (C) of the belief “I’m a failure”?
Feeling depressed or giving up on applying for other jobs.
How might you dispute the belief “I’m a failure”?
Ask, “Is it really true that one job rejection makes me a failure?”
What is an example of an Effective New Belief (E)?
“It was one rejection. I can learn from it and keep trying.”
Who developed the original ABC model that evolved into the ABCDE model?
Albert Ellis.
In which therapeutic approach did the ABC model originate?
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT).
What major therapy approach integrated the ABC model into its framework?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
What was the main idea behind Albert Ellis’s ABC model?
That our beliefs about events—not the events themselves—cause emotional reactions.
What does the addition of “D” and “E” in the ABCDE model provide?
A structured way to challenge irrational beliefs and replace them with rational alternatives.
When did Albert Ellis first introduce REBT and the ABC model?
In the 1950s.
Which component of the ABCDE model involves cognitive restructuring?
Disputation (D) and Effective New Belief (E).
What philosophical influence is behind REBT’s focus on beliefs?
Stoic philosophy, particularly Epictetus’ idea: “People are disturbed not by things, but by the views they take of them.”
