Cognition and emotion applied: cognitive models (G07)

Question 1

In Seligman’s learned helplessness theory, an internal explanatory style leads to:

a. Universal helplessness & low self-esteem
b. Increased chronicity & generality of deficits
c. Personal helplessness & low self-esteem

Answer 1

c. Personal helplessness & low self-esteem

Question 2

Which cognitive processes go awry in depression, according to Beck?

Answer 2

Automatic negative thoughts are not dismissed (as would healthy individuals) but further evidence in support of such thoughts is searched for
Logical distortions: magnification (e.g., of negative material related to the self), minimization (e.g., of positive material related to the self), & personalization (e.g., taking the blame for everything)

Question 3

Which of the following is a disadvantage of Beck’s cognitive model?

a. Beck’s model does not explain it in well enough detail
b. Beck’s model is not supported well by empirical evidence
c. Beck’s model does not explain recurrence and relapse

Answer 3

c. Beck’s model does not explain recurrence and relapse

Question 4

Describe the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) approach, explain the terms propositional and implicational system in your answer.

Answer 4

The ICS approach is an approach with multiple levels and systems, aiming to explain emotions, and emotional disorders by observing different aspects of emotion. There are 9 sub-sytems, and the 2 key subsystems are the propositional system, in which it is a rule based system that involves propositions with a truth value. The other key subsystem is the implicational system, which is an associative system, involving higher level semantic representations that combines information from the somatic and visceral sources. Thus, emotion is a result of multiple processes working together.

Question 5

What’s the difference regarding memory retrieval between depressed and healthy individuals?

a. Depressed individuals do not use a lot of sensory components in their memory and have a hard time retrieving specific memories.
b. Healthy individuals do not use a lot of sensory components in their memory and have a hard time retrieving specific memories.
c. Depressed individuals use a lot of sensory components in their memory but have a hard time retrieving specific memories.

Answer 5

a. Depressed individuals do not use a lot of sensory components in their memory and have a hard time retrieving specific memories.

Question 6

What is cognitive vulnerability? How does a mood induction affect healthy/depressed individuals? What does it show?

Answer 6

vulnerability to negative emotions;

a small (neg.) mood induction has a stronger effect on depressed individuals than on healthy ones;

that depressed individuals are more easily affected (cognitively vulnerable) by a mood induction