Psychopathology - Cognitive Approach AO1

Question 1

What is the cognitive explanation for depression?

Answer 1

Theorists believe that depression results from faulty and irrational psychological perceptions, causing distorted thinking and reasoning. They believe that the greater their negative thoughts the more severe the depression symptoms

Question 1

What are the types of negative perceptions?

Answer 1

1. Negative Schemas
2. Cognitive Bias

Question 2

What are the types of negative schemas?

Answer 2

1. Ineptness (expecting to fail)
2. Self-blame (feeling responsible for all misfortunes)

Question 3

What are the types of cognitive bias?

Answer 3

1. Overgeneralisation (sweeping conclusions drawn on the basis of one event)
2. Arbitrary Inference (conclusion draw in the absence of sufficient evidence)

Question 4

What is Beck’s cognitive theory of depression?

Answer 4

Beck believes people become depressed because the world is seen negatively through negative schemas, which fuel and are fueled by cognitive biases.

Question 5

What is Becks Cognitive Triad?

Answer 5

It shows how negative perceptions connect. These perceptions are usually about:
1. Self - (seeing themselves as incapable of success and victims of circumstances)
2. World - (obstacles in their environment are perceived as impossible to overcome)
3. Future - (personal worthlessness is seen aa blocking improvement and they only see despair and hopelessness in their future)

Question 6

What is Ellis’ cognitive theory for depression?

Answer 6

Depressive people blame external events for their unhappiness but Ellis suggests that it’s their interpretation of these events that cause their unhappiness instead.

Question 7

What is Ellis’ ABC model?

Answer 7

A model used to explain how irrational thoughts can affect our emotions and behavioral state.

Question 8

What is the structure of the ABC model?

Answer 8

A - activating event

B - believe (irrational or rational)

C - consequence (unhealthy or healthy response)