Cognitive Approach Fo Explaining Depression

Question 1

What is becks cognitive theory of depression

Answer 1

Beck (1967)
Cognitive approach to explaining depression

1. Faulty information processing
   - only focus on negative aspects when depressed
2. Negative self-schemas
   - If depressed all schemas are negative so everything is interpreted negatively

3.The negative triad
- has a dysfunctional view of everything
A) negative view it the world
B) negative view of the future
C)negative view of the self

Question 2

Beck evaluation- good supporting evidence

Answer 2

Grazoli and terry (2005)

• 65 pregnant women
• had cognitive vulnerability before and after depression
• if the woman had had high cognitive vulnerability before
• then they got post natal depression

Question 3

Beck evaluation- it has practical application in CBT

Answer 3

All cognitive aspects are challenged in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)

• demonstrates that the negative triad is identifiable
• so therapists can target this and use to encourage positive therapy

Question 4

Beck evaluation- it doesn’t explain all aspects of depression

Answer 4

It only explains basic symptoms, however depression is complex
- becks theory can not explain deep anger or hallucinations

Question 5

What is Ellis’s ABC model

Answer 5

Ellis (1962)
Model explains how irrational thoughts affect our behaviour and emotional state

1. A) activating event - irrational thoughts are triggered by external events.
2. B) beliefs- people with depression have a range of irrational beliefs, target these
3. C) consequences- the emotional and behavioural consequences of the triggering event. These trigger the depression.

Question 6

Ellis Evaluation- a partial explanation

Answer 6

Only some kinds of depression are caused from a specific activating event- therefore Ellis only explains reactive depression. Doesn’t apply to other forms of depression.

Question 7

Ellis Evaluation- it has practical application in CBT

Answer 7

Has led to successful therapy.

Patient can target their irrational beliefs that have a role in the depression

Question 8

Ellis Evaluation- doesn’t explain all aspects of depression

Answer 8

It suggests why some may be more vulnerable to depression but
-fails to explain the anger associated with depression and that some patients do suffer delusions and hallucinations