cognitive approach explaining depression

Question 1

what are the two explanations of depression

Answer 1

• beck’s cognitive triad
• ellis’ ABC model

Question 2

what does Beck’s cognitive theory say about depression

Answer 2

• faulty information processing = focussing on the bad and not the good
• negative self-schemas = interpret information about oneself negatively
• negative triad = negative view of: the world, the future, the self

Question 3

what does Ellis’ ABC model say about depression

Answer 3

• about irrational thinking
• A = activating event - triggering external event
• B = beliefs - irrational beliefs
• C = consequences - emotional or behavioural consequences of irrational beliefs

Question 4

evaluate beck’s cognitive theory of depression

Answer 4

• practical application = forms the basis of CBT, easily identifiable components can be identified and challenged
• doesn’t cover all of depression = some people experience extreme anger or even hallucinations, which cannot be explained using becks theory

Question 5

evaluate Ellis’ ABC model

Answer 5

• partial explanation = doesn’t explain types of depression that aren’t reactive, meaning they have no apparent cause (activating event)
• practical application = led to successful therapy such as REBT