psychopathology: explanations of depression Flashcards
state the 2 explanations
- Becks cognitive theory of depression
- Ellis’s ABC model
What makes people more vulnerable to depression according to Beck’s cognitive theory?
Cognitions:
* Faulty information processing
* Negative self-schemas
* Negative triad
Define faulty information processing in the context of depression.
When depressed, individuals focus on negative aspects and ignore positives.
Provide an example of faulty information processing.
Focusing on someone winning £10 million instead of celebrating winning £1 million.
How does a negative self-schema affect interpretation of information?
It leads to interpreting all information about oneself negatively.
What does the negative triad refer to?
Negative views about:
* The world
* The future
* Oneself
Fill in the blank: A _______ is the package of information we have about ourselves.
[self-schema]
True or False: Beck’s cognitive theory suggests that cognitive processes play a role in depression.
True
AO3: evidence to support Beck
There is evidence to support Becks cognitive theory of depression
Grazioli and Terry (2000) assessed 65 pregnant women with cognitive vulnerabilities and depression before and after child birth. Those with high cognitive vulnerabilities had an increased chance of post natal depression.
STRENGTH as this therefore supports the cognitive explanation as it very clearly draws a causal explanation that having cognitive vulnerabilities will lead to depression.
COUNTER: However this research may not be very representative at it only focuses on one group, it may be that for other individuals
with depression there are other causes.
AO3: Beck > incomplete explanation
However it does not explain all aspects of depression
Some sufferers of depression are very angry or suffer hallucinations and bazaar beliefs, very occasionally
patients suffer cotard syndrome- the delusion that they are zombies.
WEAKNESS as his theory cannot easily explain such symptoms. As a result it is an incomplete theory. Perhaps the symptoms might be explained better by a biological explanation, suggesting that the individual may have abnormal levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
What does Ellis’s ABC model explain about depression?
Depression results from irrational thoughts
What are the three components of Ellis’s ABC model?
- Activating agent
- Beliefs
- Consequences
What is an activating event in the context of Ellis’s ABC model?
A negative event that triggers irrational beliefs
For example, failing an important test
what irrational beliefs did Ellis suggest we experience
Musturbation > the belief that we must always succeed or achieve perfection
Utopianism > the belief that life is always meant to be fair
What are the potential consequences of irrational beliefs triggered by activating events?
Emotional and behavioral consequences
For example, believing you must always succeed can lead to depression if you fail
.
Fill in the blank: According to Ellis, we get depressed when we experience _______ that trigger irrational beliefs.
negative events
These events serve as catalysts for irrational thinking.
True or False: Ellis’s ABC model suggests that rational thoughts can also lead to depression.
False > The model emphasizes that irrational thoughts are the root cause of depression
AO3: Ellis > incomplete explanation
Ellis’s ABC model is a partial explanation
Ellis suggest that depression is caused by an activating agent, which is a negative event the individual has experienced such as failing exams. This will trigger irrational beliefs which will cause the onset of emotional and behavioural symptoms.
WEAKNESS as Ellis may only be explaining reactive depression which occurs in response to a life event. However, many
cases of depression are not traceable to life events and it is not obvious what leads the person to becoming depressed at a particular time. This is known as endogenous depression. As a result Ellis’ theory cannot explain all cases of depression.
Outline Beck’s treatment
CBT > This is a method based
on both behavioural and cognitive techniques.
The therapist aims to make the client aware of the relationship between thought, emotion and actions
By identifying the irrational belief (thought catching) and challenging it, it will impact the maladaptive behaviours and emotions that are the consequence of such thoughts
The approach is not concerned with past events its only interest is the feelings, behaviours and most
importantly the thoughts that are being experienced ‘here and now’
Outline Ellis’ treatment
REBT is a form of CBT (ABC + DE)
* D = Dispute (challenge the thoughts/ beliefs)
* E = Effect (see a more beneficial effect on thought, emotion and behaviour)
* Therefore the central technique of REBT is to
identify and dispute the patient’s irrational thoughts
* The aim is to break the link between the negative life events and depression
* Methods of disputing:
1. Empirical argument: involves disputing whether there is actual evidence to support the negative belief
2. Logical argument: involves disputing whether the negative thought follows from the facts
AO3: treatment
Both Beck and Ellis have contributed to creating treatments for patients with depression
Beck developed CBT where therapists challenge irrational thoughts
Ellis developed REBT where therapists dispute irrational belifes through empirical or logical arguments
Expand: March (2007) found that CBT was as effective in treating the symptoms and risk of relapse at an 81% success rate.
STRENGTH as this shows how successful such treatment is in overcoming depression. This also demonstrates the link between irrational beliefs and depressive symptoms.
