Cognitive Theory for Sz

Question 1

Cognitive explanation focus?

Answer 1

Mental processes

Question 2

How would a cognitive approach explain SZ?

Answer 2

Associated with abnormal information processing and these can provide explanations for Sz as a whole- characterised by disruptions of normal thought processing

Question 3

Example of disruption to thought processing?

Answer 3

Reduced processing in ventral striatum associated with avolution and temporal gyrus associated with hallucinations- cognition is therefore impaired

Question 4

Who identified two types of negative thought?

Answer 4

Firth

Question 5

What is metarepresentation?

Answer 5

The cognitive ability to reflect on thoughts and behaviour- allows us insight into intentions and goals so we can interpret the actions of others.
disruption to this would mean we would not be able to recognise our own thoughts and may see them as being someone elses

Question 6

What is central cognition?

Answer 6

The ability to suppress automatic responses while we perform deliberate actions instead- disorganised speech as they experience derailment (each word triggers a different thought? which could result from the inability to suppress automatic thoughts

Question 7

Stirling et al?

Answer 7

Compared 30 patients with a diagnosis of Sz and 18 non patients on a range of cognitive test i.e. the stroop test - Sz take twice as long to name ink colours as control group

Question 8

Weaknesses with theory?

Answer 8

Links between faulty cognitions and Sz are clear but do not tell us about the origins of Sz- explains proximal causes not distal causes

Question 9

Cause vs symptom?

Answer 9

Are cognitive factors causes of Sz or symptoms