Abnormaility - Cognitive Approach Flashcards
What are the general features of the cognitive approach?
Rejection of behaviourist idea that external events are the sole cause of disorders
Cognitions play a casual role in disorders
What does the ABC stand for in Ellis’ model?
A - activating events
B - beliefs about those events and oneself
C - consequences
Explain how each of the letter link in Ellis’ model?
The activating event do not cause the disorder
Their effect is mediated by the beliefs that people have about the events - making people vulnerable to a range of depressive or anxious disorders
These disorders display various types of irrational thinking which take place automatically
What are the different types of irrational thinking in depression?
Polarised thinking
Overgeneralisation
Catastrophizing
Explain an example polarised thinking?
Believing that anything less than perfect is inadequate
Explain an example of overgeneralisation?
Believing that one rejection by one potential friend means that no one will want to be your friend
Explain an example of catastrophizing?
Interpreting events in the worst possible way - friend not phoning you means they hate you
What is Beck’s triad in depression?
Beck argues that depression occurs because people have negative beliefs about:
Themselves
The world
The future
State some examples of Beck’s triad?
Self -I am useless and inadequate
World - everyone is against me
Future - ill always be a failure
What is an issue with cognitive theories?
It is hard to test as it can unclear if the errors are a cause or a symptom of the illness
What is the problem with using retrospective studies?
Unclear whether the vulnerability preceded the depression or not
Explain Grazioli & Terry’s study?
Prospective study
Women with high cognitive vulnerability (negative beliefs) during their pregnancy are more likely to develop post-natal depression
What is the issue with cognitive biases of anxiety disorders?
Patients may exaggerate the significance of their symptoms such as a raised heart rate
What do people with eating disorders tend to think?
They have negative beliefs about themselves
Believe that acceptance by others depends on their size
Base their self esteem on their size
What are some treatments for disorders?
Cognitive therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy
