Psychopathology - The cognitive approach to explaining depression Flashcards
According to the cognitive approach, what causes depression?
Depression results from thinking negatively about events, a form of faulty information processing.
According to the cognitive approach, what causes depression?
Depression results from thinking negatively about events, a form of faulty information processing.
What does Beck’s negative triad suggest?
Suggests events are seen with a negative bias due to the development of negative schemas about the world, the future and the self.
What is the purpose of schemas? What do negative schemas result in?
Schemas and mental frameworks help as short cuts in understanding the world. Negative schemas result in selective perception, absolutist thinking and magnification of problems.
What does Ellis’s ABC model suggest?
It’s not challenges in life that cause depression but the way the individual responds to challenges. This is dependent on the individual’s belief
What does the ABC stand for in Ellis’ model?
A = activating event
B = irrational belief
C = consequence (behaviour caused by B)
What is masturbatory thinking?
Thinking in absolutes can lead to depression termed masturbatory (must meet perfectionist goals)
What are the strengths of Beck and Ellis’ ideas?
Their ideas have been developed into a highly effective treatment called CBT. The effectiveness of the treatment suggests that underlying cognitive theories are valid.
What are the limitations of Beck’s and Ellis’ ideas?
Placing responsibility for depression on the patient as either empowering them to help themselves or to be seen as a case of “blaming the victim”
Cognitive theories struggle to explain manic depressives who have phases of intense energy and confidence.
There is significant evidence that biological factors influence the development of depression. Some people are genetically vulnerable and treatments that influence the balance of neurotransmitters are effective, meaning the cognitive explanation has gaps.
