Cognitive Flashcards
Computer analogy
- The human mind is like a computer; we take in information (input), change/store it (process), then recall when necessary (output).
- During ‘process’, the mind is using cognitive processes like perception, attention, memory etc. Hence acting like a computer.
T- Atkinson and Shiffrin - Multi store model of memory;
Sensory - fraction of a second
Short term - lasts around 30 seconds
Long term memory - stays until needed
- Example of our memory system process information in a similar way to computer.
Internal Mental Processes
- Humans processes senses by brain, which directs how we behave.
- Perception = taking in information from senses and making sense of it.
Thinking = process of reasoning.
Memory = the storage of information over time. - ‘Cocktail party’ effect - Colin Cherry. Cherry using headphones had 1 message in left ear and another message in right ear. Able to shift attention back and forth.
- internal processes allows us to process information via senses.
Schemas
- Schemas are organise packets of information that are built up by experience in long term memory.
- E.g. Schemas for dog could be fluffy, tail, cute but could include fierce and bites. Schemas derived from past experiences.
- Research into Matching Hypothesis demonstrates self-schemas influence who we are romantically attracted to.
- demonstrates how schemas influence who we are likely to form romantically relationships with.
Assumptions applied to relationships
Schemas
- Schemas are organised packets of information and we have these about different people. They are activated when we meet someone.
- ‘Halo effect’ schema about physically attractive people. Schemas trigger such as funny, caring, intelligent. This is common to all physically attractive people.
- Matching Hypothesis - attracted to people that match us in attractiveness. Self-schemas will shape who they are attracted to. If someone perceives the self as 9/10 then they will go for 9s, and vice versa.
- Due to fear of rejection
Internal Mental Processes
- Perception - how we perceive someone e.g. physically attractive, make us more attracted and more likely to form romantic relationship
- Memory - memory or good relationship can lead to attraction to someone with similar traits, vice versa with bad relationship.
Appropriateness
N - normal behaviour result of how you perceive yourself and world around you. Internal mental processes work together to make sense of world.
A - abnormal behaviour result of irrational thought about yourself and world around you. Ellis suggested faulty thinking leads to mental illnesses.
A - Aim to challenge and change irrational thought and replace with rational.
N - REBT make client aware of irrational thoughts and challenge them to show client there is no reason for them. Equip client with skill to challenge irrational thoughts and replace with rational.
L - Appropriate as it stands firm on internal mental processes ideas of cognitive approach.
Main components
- Ellis proposed ABCDE model, to challenge and remove irrational thoughts as they were believed to cause certain behaviours.
- A = Activating event, situation leading to anxiety feeling, e.g ‘ignored by friend’
- B = Belief, situation may lead to irrational thoughts, e.g. ‘they don’t like me’
- C = Consequence, self defeating beliefs lead to behaviour change, e.g. not speak to friends
- D = Disputing, where the belief is challenged, e.g.
logical disputing - beliefs does not follow logically to information available
empirical disputing - beliefs not consistent with reality
pragmatic - is this belief useful? - E = Effects of disputing, replacing irrational with rational thoughts.
- Client homework - where client is given tasks that will help dispute their irrational beliefs, which aims to prove them wrong.
- Mustabatory - assuming certain ideas must be true. Ellis found it was common with depressed people, ‘I must do well or I’m a failure’. This can be challenged in disputing in D part of ABCDE.
- Unconditional positive regard is necessary in the treatment to motivate the client to put in effort, as if not the client may not invest effort.
Evaluation of REBT - Ethics /Effectiveness
Psychological harm 😭
- clients forcefully challenge fed and presented that their belief is causing irrational thoughts and mental illnesses
- ethical issues as there may be differing beliefs between client and therapist e.g. religious views
- ‘sadder but wiser’ individuals with depression may be sadder but wiser than non depressed.
No side effects 😄
- no physical side effects, does not use anti depressants like some therapies
- more appealing treatment as not harmful
Effectiveness 😄
- Silverman - reviewed 89 studies on REBT and found that in 49 REBT was more effective than other treatments
- people can actually benefit from therapy and improve day to day life
Patient involvement 😭
- requires client to play active role meaning huge amounts of effort
- requires client being open about feelings
- skill of therapist can have an impact as more skilled will give more client homework and ask for more client involvement
- high attrition rate
