cognitive theory of depression Flashcards

1
Q

what is Beck’s cognitive theory of depression?

A

explains why some people’s cognitions cause a vulnerability to depression
3 parts- faulty info processing, negative self-schemas, negative triad

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2
Q

1- faulty info processing

A
  • attend to negatives, ignore positives
  • blow small problems out of proportion
  • think in ‘black and white’ terms
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3
Q

2- negative self-schemas

A
  • self-schema is the package of info we have about ourselves

- interpret all info about ourselves negatively

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4
Q

3- the negative triad

A

automatic negative thinking causing dysfunctional view of the self
- negative view of the world, e.g. ‘the world is a cold hard place’, no hope

  • negative view of the future, e.g. ‘the world will never get better’, reduces hope and enhances depression
  • negative view of the self, e.g. ‘I am a failure’, enhance depression and low self-esteem
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5
Q

what is Ellis’ ABC model?

A

good mental health is the result of rational thinking
depression results from irrational thoughts- any thoughts that interfere with us being happy and free of pain
model explains how irrational thoughts affect behaviours and emotions

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6
Q

A- Activating event

A

irrational thoughts triggered by external events
experience negative events- trigger irrational beliefs- get depressed
e.g. ending a relationship

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7
Q

B- Beliefs

A

identified a range of irrational beliefs
‘musturbation’- belief that we must always succeed
‘I-can’t-stand-it-itis’- belief that small problems are major disasters
‘utopianism’- belief that life is always meant to be fair

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8
Q

C- Consequences

A

emotional and behavioural consequences to activating events triggering irrational beliefs
e.g. you believe you must always succeed- you fail at something- depression triggers

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9
Q

Beck

strength- research support

A

Grazioli and Terry- 65 pregnant women assessed for cog vulnerability and depression before and after birth
women higher cog vulnerability- post-natal depression more likely
Clark and beck reviewed research- solid support for cog vulnerability factors
cognitions can be seen before depression develops
strength- suggests Beck is right about cognition causing depression, theory valuable/accurate

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10
Q

Beck

strength- practical real-life applications

A

theory forms basis of CBT
CBT identifies and challenges cog aspects of depression
like elements of negative triad (easily identifiable)
therapist can challenge them- encourage patient to do so too
strength- expl has useful IRL applications, translates well into successful therapy, QoL

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11
Q

Beck and Ellis

limitation- doesn’t explain all aspects of depression

A

depression more complex
Beck and Ellis cannot easily explain extreme emotions like anger
hallucinations, bizarre beliefs, e.g. Cotard syndrome
limitation- Beck and Ellis’ theories over-simplified, cannot account for complex aspects of depression

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12
Q

Ellis

weakness- partial explanation

A

reactive depression- depression following activating events
diff to depression that arises without obvious cause
weakness- expl only applies to some kinds of depression, limited expl

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13
Q

Ellis

strength- practical real-life applications

A

led to CBT (successful therapy)
challenging irrational beliefs reduces depression- supported by research evidence
strength- suggests that irrational beliefs have some role in depression, theory accurate

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