Evaluating The Cognitive Approach To Treating Depression

Question 1

Research support:

Ellis (1957)

Answer 1

claimed a 90% success rate for CBT, taking an average of 27 sessions but therapy wasn’t always effective due to clients not putting their revised beliefs in action

Question 2

Individual differences:
Elkin et al. (1985)
Simons et al. (1995)

Answer 2

CBT appears less suitable for people with extreme irrational beliefs that are rigid and resistant to change.
CBT appears less suitable for people with extreme stress levels

Question 3

Alternative treatments:

Answer 3

Antidepressants such as SSRI/ can be used which is less demanding for the patient or even in conjunction with psychotherapy