cognitive model Flashcards
assumptions
Assumes abnormality is caused by faulty thinking and attitudes, the issue is not the problem itself but the way you think about it, e.g over generalisations- a conclusion based on one event (failed test-failed life) or magnifying failures and minimizing success.It assumes an individual is in control and abnormality is faulty control and a change in thinking patterns will lead to a change in behaviour.
strengths
Doesn’t delve into the past and focuses on the individuals current thoughts, it emphasises internal factors, and it is very influential as it is favoured in many fields of psychology. Unlike the behaviourist approach which argues that people do not have free will and that the environment determines their behaviour by making them behave in certain ways, the cognitive model allows for processes such as decision making and choice.
weaknesses
Unscientific as some thoughts can’t be observed, it ignores biological influences on behaviour, there’s no cause and effect (irrational beliefs could cause it) and it suggests blame will be put on the individual.
treatments cbt
It’s aim is to encourage clients to examine their beliefs and unhappiness and replace their negative thoughts with positive ones- there’s a cognitive and behavioural part to this. The cognitive part involves allowing clients to become aware of their negative thoughts that are causing them to become un well, the behavioural part involves checking these negative thoughts in reality so the clients can realise they were thinking faulty so they can change.
suitable for Phobias, anxiety disorders, depression and OCD.
cbt- beck
To deal with depression clients become aware of the situation where they make negative assumptions, these are then challenged so the client eventually accepts the previous thinking was unrealistic- people weren’t avoiding her.
cbt combined with drugs
Fava et al shows that CBT can reduce relapse rates when following drug treatment- just drugs-80% relapse rate, drugs and CBT- 25% relapse rate
cbt strengths
Model has great appeal because it focuses on human thought. becoming the most widely used therapy by the National health service. research backs it up-Fava
Cognitive therapy has been very effective for treating depression, and moderately effective for anxiety problems
cbt weaknesses
Doesn’t address underlying causes and clients can get dependent on their therapist - the psychiatrist holds all the power to make the client better.
Ethical issues: RET is a directive therapy aimed at changing cognitions sometimes quite forcefully. For some, this may be considered an unethical approach
rebt- ellis
Using the ABC model (activation, beliefs, consequences) clients learn ways of curing themselves by setting new goals that they can incorporate in everyday life.
