Cognitive approach to explaining Depression: ELLIS

Question 1

Ellis’ ABC Model

Answer 1

• Ellis proposed that depression is caused by irrational beliefs about ourselves and the world. Ellis particularly focused on how self defeating attitudes cause problems when something unpleasant happens.
• He devised the ABC model to explain how irrational and negative beliefs are formed.
• A = Activating event which is unpleasant event that triggers negative thinking such as exam failure.
• B = Beliefs which are irrational thoughts that form after the activating event.
• C = Consequences which are the emotions that are caused by these beliefs and irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotional outcomes such as depression.

Question 2

Mustabatory thinking

Answer 2

• This is the source of irrational thinking that leads to depression.
• Mustabatory thinking is thinking that certain ideas or assumptions must be true in order for an individual to be happy.
• Individual holds beliefs that are too idealistic and the expectations are high.
• In order to treat depression that is caused by negative thinking, thoughts need to be challenged and turned into more positive beliefs.

Question 3

Strength: Bates evidence

Answer 3

• Bates (1999) found that depressed participants who were given negative thought statements became more depressed which supports the view that negative thinking helps to cause depression.
• If psychologists know what causes depression, they can provide effective treatment.

Question 4

Weakness: Origins of negative thoughts

Answer 4

• The model does not explain the origins of irrational and negative thoughts and it’s not clear whether negative thinking actually causes depression.
• Other factors, such as genes and biology are possible causes of depression and a side effect is negative thinking.

Question 5

Weakness: Blames patient

Answer 5

• The model suggests that disorders are simply in the patient’s mind and this could lead to situational factors being overlooked.
• The psychologist would examine negative and irrational thoughts alone as a cause of depression.

Question 6

Weakness: Alternative explanations exist

Answer 6

• Alternative explanations exist which suggests that depression is a biological condition caused by genes and neurotransmitters.
• Research shows that those with low levels of neurotransmitter serotonin often have depression.
• Drug therapies which increase the level of serotonin are seen as an effective treatment of depression, which provides further support for the role of neurotransmitters in the development of depression.