Psychological Approaches to Abnormality: Cognitive

Question 1

Outline the main assumptions of the cognitive approach.

What is the approach often used to explain?

Answer 1

Believes that abnormality stems from faulty cognitions which then cause distortions in the way we perceive things around us. Emphasises the role of irrational beliefs and negative thoughts. Often used to explain anxiety and depression.

Question 2

Explain Ellis’ ideas on irrational beliefs.

Answer 2

Ellis believed that people’s beliefs strongly affect their emotional state. He thought that irrational beliefs lead to self defeating behaviour and emotions. He thought that people overreacting to events is due to pre-existing irrational beliefs and he believed these beliefs make people more vulnerable to anxiety or depression. He proposed the ABC model to explain the process:
A - Activating Event (Failing an exam)
B - Beliefs (irrational = I’m a failure I’ll never do well)
C - Consequences (depression)

Question 3

Explain Beck’s ideas about negative thoughts.

Answer 3

He believed negative thinking is linked with depression. He explained depression through three negative thought processes (the cognitive triad):

• Negative thoughts about the WORLD
• Negative thoughts about THE FUTURE
• Negative views of SELF

Question 4

What are the strengths of the cognitive model?

Answer 4

1. There is research that provides support for the model such as a study that was carried out on students in 2002 that found that their negative views towards their own futures strongly correlated with their depressed moods.
2. The model gives people the ‘power to change’, as it explains mental illness through thoughts and behaviour, which people can change. It is positive and gives patients self belief.

Question 5

What are the limitations of the cognitive model?

Answer 5

1. It doesn’t explain whether negative thinking is a CAUSE or EFFECT of depression. Which one comes first? Negative thinking may be a consequence rather than a cause of the problem, so more research needs to be carried out to find out.
2. It has been ethically questioned as to whether it places blame on those with mental illnesses. Does someone have the right to question another person’s thought/belief system? Because of this it also does not take into account situational and environmental factors that may have contributed to the illness.