Cognitive Approach To Explaining Depression - A01 Flashcards
Cognitive theories of depressions state what is the cause of depression?
Cognitive distortions, which is dysfunctional or irrational thinking.
The two key cognitive theories are Beck’s Cognitive Triad and Ellis’ Irrational Thinking (ABC Model).
Beck (1967) Negative triad
Automatic faulty information processing results in cognitive biases:
- Overgeneralisation
- Absolutist thinking
- Catastrophizing
Negative Schemas
Cognitive Triad:
- Oneself
- The Future
- The world
Automatic Faulty Information Processing
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.
What 3 biases does faulty information processing lead to?
Overgeneralisation
Absolutist thinking
Catastrophising
Over generalisation
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.
Absolutist thinking
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.
Catastrophising
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!”
What is a schema?
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.
Negative schemas
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.
Examples of negative schemas
An ineptness schema
A self blame schema
A negative self-evaluation schema
An ineptness schema
Makes sufferers expect to fail.
A self blame schema
Makes them feel responsible for any misfortunes.
A negative self-evaluation schema
Constantly reminds them of their worthlessness.
What is the cognitive triad?
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
Negative views of the world
This creates the impression there is no hope anywhere.
“Everyone is against me because I am worthless.”
Negative views of the future
This reduces any hopefulness and enhances depression.
“I will never be good at anything.”
Negative views of oneself
This enhances the existing depressive feelings as they confirm the existing emotions of low self-esteem.
“I am worthless and inadequate.”
Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression
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.
Ellis (1962) ABC Model States that depression is caused by…
Irrational thinking.
The ABC model is developed to explain responses to negative events.
It shows how people react differently to adversity and stress.
What are Activating events?
An event or adversity to which there is a reaction.
What is the role of Beliefs?
The explanation as to why the situation occurred.
What are Consequences in Ellis’ model?
The behaviour and feelings the belief now causes.
Thus, the external event is ‘blamed’ for the unhappiness being experienced.
Ellis’ views?
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.
What is mustabatory thinking?
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.’
