Cognitive Approach To Explaining Depression - A01

Question 1

Cognitive theories of depressions state what is the cause of depression?

Answer 1

Cognitive distortions, which is dysfunctional or irrational thinking.

The two key cognitive theories are Beck’s Cognitive Triad and Ellis’ Irrational Thinking (ABC Model).

Question 2

Beck (1967) Negative triad

Answer 2

Automatic faulty information processing results in cognitive biases:
- Overgeneralisation
- Absolutist thinking
- Catastrophizing

Negative Schemas

Cognitive Triad:
- Oneself
- The Future
- The world

Question 3

Automatic Faulty Information Processing

Answer 3

People who have depression have a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a situation and ignore the positives.

This is called ‘black and white’ thinking. It’s automatic and can produce cognitive biases.

Question 4

What 3 biases does faulty information processing lead to?

Answer 4

Overgeneralisation

Absolutist thinking

Catastrophising

Question 5

Over generalisation

Answer 5

Applying extreme beliefs to a different or inappropriate situation based on a single incident.

For example, a woman with depression has relationship issues with her boss so she might believe that she’s a failure in all other types of relationships.

Question 6

Absolutist thinking

Answer 6

Viewing the world as “all or nothing,” “either or,” and “good and bad.”

For example, one extreme is a woman who sees herself as “perfect” and can’t make mistakes; at the other extreme, a woman believes that’s she’s incompetent.

Question 7

Catastrophising

Answer 7

When a small setback is exaggerated and is viewed as disastrous. For example, “I’ve failed one end of unit test so I’m never going to study at university or get a good job!”

Question 8

What is a schema?

Answer 8

It’s a cognitive framework or mental representation of knowledge which allows us to help interpret the world.

They can be used to navigate a complex world by simplifying.

But this can lead to oversimplification, which can cause errors.

They develop during childhood.

Question 9

Negative schemas

Answer 9

Beck believed that negative schemas develop during childhood, based on negative experiences.

Such as criticism from parents, peers or teachers.

They provide a negative framework for interpreting future events pessimistically.

Therefore, adults with depression typically have negative biases towards themselves.

Question 10

Examples of negative schemas

Answer 10

An ineptness schema

A self blame schema

A negative self-evaluation schema

Question 11

An ineptness schema

Answer 11

Makes sufferers expect to fail.

Question 12

A self blame schema

Answer 12

Makes them feel responsible for any misfortunes.

Question 13

A negative self-evaluation schema

Answer 13

Constantly reminds them of their worthlessness.

Question 14

What is the cognitive triad?

Answer 14

For people who suffer from depression, these thoughts can occur automatically and are symptomatic of depressed people.

Negative views of the world

Negative views of the future

Negative views of oneself

Question 15

Negative views of the world

Answer 15

This creates the impression there is no hope anywhere.

“Everyone is against me because I am worthless.”

Question 16

Negative views of the future

Answer 16

This reduces any hopefulness and enhances depression.

“I will never be good at anything.”

Question 17

Negative views of oneself

Answer 17

This enhances the existing depressive feelings as they confirm the existing emotions of low self-esteem.

“I am worthless and inadequate.”

Question 18

Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression

Answer 18

Within this, the concepts of faulty information processing, negative self-schema, and cognitive triad are interrelated closely.

They can influence each other in a cyclical and reinforcing manner.

An example of this is that faulty information processing could give rise to negative schemas, which exacerbate the cognitive triad.

Question 19

Ellis (1962) ABC Model States that depression is caused by…

Answer 19

Irrational thinking.

The ABC model is developed to explain responses to negative events.

It shows how people react differently to adversity and stress.

Question 20

What are Activating events?

Answer 20

An event or adversity to which there is a reaction.

Question 21

What is the role of Beliefs?

Answer 21

The explanation as to why the situation occurred.

Question 22

What are Consequences in Ellis’ model?

Answer 22

The behaviour and feelings the belief now causes.

Thus, the external event is ‘blamed’ for the unhappiness being experienced.

Question 23

Ellis’ views?

Answer 23

Good mental health is due to rational thinking allowing people to be pain free and happy.

Whereas, depression is due to irrational thinking, which prevents us from being pain free and happy.

Question 24

What is mustabatory thinking?

Answer 24

Thinking that particular assumptions or ideas must be true in order for an individual to be happy.

Ellis argues that the core of irrational beliefs lies in mustabatory thinking. The three most important irrational beliefs were identified by Ellis:

• I must be approved of or accepted by the people I find important.
• I must do very well, or I am worthless.
• The world must give me happiness, or I will die.

More examples of irrational assumptions include ‘others must treat me fairly and give me what I need’ and “people must live up to my expectations or it’s terrible.’