Cognition and emotion applied: cognitive models (G12)

Question 1

To treat a patient who presents with depressive symptoms according to Beck’s cognitive model, one would have to…

a. …address early life experiences.
b. …address dysfunctional assumptions.
c. …address conditioned reactions to external stimuli.

Answer 1

b. …address dysfunctional assumptions.

Question 2

Explain the difference between implicit and explicit cognitions.

Answer 2

Implicit cognitions = knowledge, memories, schemata - automatically activated, unconscious influence on thought processes.

Explicit cognitions = Conscious, rational, intentional - deliberately activated thought processes, that are able to regulate associative responses

Question 3

Which of the following statements is NOT correct about Becks cognitive model?

a. According to the model, dysfunctional cognitions result in dysfunctional assumptions.
b. Previous experiences affect the activation of assumptions.
c. According to the model, dysfunctional assumptions result in dysfunctional cognitions.

Answer 3

a. According to the model, dysfunctional cognitions result in dysfunctional assumptions.

Question 4

Describe in your own words the interacting cognitive subsystems of Barnard & Teasdale (1991)

Answer 4

The model explains cognitive processes on different levels. It includes nine subsystems that differ in the type of information they handle. The outside world feeds into the subsystems. Some of the systems are rule-based, others are more associative. Sensations from the outside world (acoustic, visual) are considered in the model.

Question 5

“The process by which people determine the cause of a particular outcome.” refers to the definition of

a. association
b. interpretation
c. attribution

Answer 5

c. attribution

Question 6

Explain the main problem with Beck’s model. In your answer, use the examples of anxiety and depression to illustrate.

Answer 6

Beck’s model doesn’t explain why people spontaneously recover from depression or relapse. Depression goes by waves, which means that a depressed individual will think differently from a period to another, depending on the intensity of their distress. A period of deep sadness and strong feeling of worthlessness is often followed by a period of emotional balance, or at least more positive cognition. This fluctuation underlines that the way of thinking might not be central to the onset of depressive episodes. The model however explains well anxiety disorders which, in contrast with depression, imply symptoms of anxiety that are constant every time the scary situation is presented. There is no change in the appraisal of the situation while the manner of thinking remains the same.

Suggested Student Edit: “ Beck’s model doesn’t explain why dysfunctional assumptions are de-activated in spontaneous recovery, and activated again in relapse.”