Cognitive Explanations of Depression

Question 1

What is the cognitive explanation of depression?

Answer 1

Depression is caused by negative and irrational thought processes

Question 2

What is Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Triad?

Answer 2

1. Depression can be explained by 3 negative cognitive biases about the world, the future, and the self.
2. Past experiences could cause either:

• optimism
• pessimistic self-schema and belief system - prone to magnification.

4. Beck theorised that having all three would cause depression

Question 3

What is Ellis’ ABC model?

Answer 3

Three stages cause the development of negative thought processes and then depression

Question 4

What are the stages of Ellis’ ABC Model?

Answer 4

Stage 1: Activating event (A)
- Stressful event occurs

Stage 2: Beliefs (B)
- Thoughts associated with event are rational/irrational

Stage 3: Consequences (C)

• Rational = positive emotional consequences
• Irrational = negative emotional consequences

Question 5

Give two strengths of the cognitive explanation of depression.

Answer 5

1. Accounts for impact of events
2. Can be applied to therapy (CBT).
   
   • Challenge irrational thoughts to stop feeling depressed and reduce need for antidepressants.

Question 6

Give two weaknesses of the cognitive explanation of depression.

Answer 6

1. Unclear if irrational thoughts are a cause or a symptom
   - Ppl only monitored after diagnosis, so it’s unclear how their behaviour or thought processes may have changed from before diagnosis
2. Some types of depression may not be caused by thought processes.
   
   • Post-natal may be caused by changes in hormone levels after labour