Cognitive Approach - Depression

Question 1

Outline the specification of the cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression

Answer 1

Explanations of depression

• Beck’s cognitive triad
• Ellis’s ABC model

Treatments of depression

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Challenging irrational Thoughts

Question 2

According to the cognitive approach, what are emotional problems a result of?

Answer 2

Cognitive distortions (irrational thinking)

Question 3

What date was Beck’s Cognitive Triad explanation of depression?

Answer 3

1963

Question 4

Explain Beck’s Cognitive Triad

Answer 4

• Beck claimed that depression is caused by negative self-schemas
• Negative self schemas are developed during childhood and are influenced by negative experiences
• Examples of negative self-schemas include ; ineptness, self-blame and negative self evaluation
• Depressed individuals have cognitive biases which is when they focus on the negative aspects and ignore the positives
• Cognitive biases can lead to overgeneralising and catastrophising
• Overgeneralisations involve making sweeping conclusions based on a single incident
• Catastrophising involves exaggerating minor setbacks and perceiving them as complete disasters
• Negative triad: Negative view of self, world, and future.

Question 5

Explain Ellis’ ABC model

Answer 5

• Ellis’ Approach = Rational thinking leads to good mental health, irrational thinking leads to depression
• A = activating event
• B = beliefs - rational vs irrational interpretation
• C = consequences - rational beliefs = healthy emotional outcomes , irrational beliefs = unhealthy emotional outcomes such as depression