cognitive explanations for depression Flashcards
What are the explanations for depression?
Beck’s cognitive theory of depression
Ellis’ ABC model
What are Beck’s three parts to his cognitive theory?
Faulty information processing
Negative self schemas
Negative triad
What is faulty information processing?
Focus on negative and avoid positive
Black and white thinking
What are negative self schemas?
Interpreting all information about ourselves in a negative way
What is the negative triad?
Dysfunctional view of self due to negative thinking
Negative view of the world
Negative view of the future
Negative view of the self
Beck evaluation - supporting evidence
Grazioli and Terry - assessed pregnant women for cognitive vulnerability and depression before and after birth
Found those with cognitive vulnerability more likely to suffer post natal depression
Beck evaluation - practical application
Forms basis of CBT
CBT challenges depression
Successful therapy
Beck evaluation - doesn’t explain all aspects of depression
Can not explain anger
Hallucinations and bizarre beliefs
Cotard syndrome - zombies
What does Ellis’ model state?
Good mental health is the result of rational thinking
Depression results from irrational thought
Irrational thought - interferes with happiness
What is the A in Ellis’ model?
Activating event
Irrational thoughts triggered by external events
What is the B in Ellis’ model?
Beliefs
Range of irrational beliefs
Utopianism - life is always meant to be fair
What is the C in Ellis’ model?
Consequences
Emotional and behavioural consequences of irrational thought
Ellis evaluation - partial explanation
Reactive depression - some cases do follow activating events
Does not explain depression without obvious cause
Ellis evaluation - practical application
Successful therapy
Challenging beliefs = reduction in depression
Suggests irrational belief had role in depression
Ellis evaluation - doesn’t explain all aspects
Doesn’t explain anger or delusions
