The cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression Flashcards
Who developed the negative triad theory of depression?
Beck (1967)
What are the three components of Beck’s negative triad?
Negative views of the self, the world, and the future
How does Beck’s negative triad explain depression?
Depressed individuals have negative and distorted thoughts about themselves, their experiences, and their future, which leads to and maintains their depression
What is the impact of the negative view of the self in the negative triad?
The individual believes they are worthless, incapable, and unworthy of happiness
How does the negative view of the world contribute to depression?
The person perceives the world as overwhelming, hostile, and full of obstacles that cannot be overcome
How does the negative view of the future reinforce depression in Beck’s theory?
The individual expects failure and sees no hope for improvement, which worsens feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Who developed the ABC model of depression?
Ellis (1962)
What does A stand for in Ellis’s ABC model?
Activating event
What is an activating event?
An event or situation that triggers negative thoughts
What does B stand for in Ellis’s ABC model?
Beliefs
What does C stand for in Ellis’s ABC model?
Consequences
What is a belief?
The interpretation of an activating event, often involving irrational or negative beliefs
What is a consequence?
The emotional and behavioural outcomes of the beliefs, such as depression, anxiety, or distress.
How does Ellis’s ABC model explain depression?
It suggests that depression is not caused by the event itself (A), but by the irrational beliefs (B) the individual holds about the event, which leads to emotional consequences (C).
How do irrational beliefs contribute to depression in Ellis’s ABC model?
Irrational beliefs (e.g., “I must be perfect,” “The world is unfair”) distort thinking, leading to negative emotional responses and unhealthy behaviours
What is the goal of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
To identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression
How does CBT challenge negative thoughts in depression?
CBT involves helping the client recognize negative thought patterns, question their validity, and replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts
What is cognitive restructuring in CBT?
The process of identifying and changing irrational or distorted thoughts to more realistic and functional ones
What role does behavioural activation play in CBT for depression?
It encourages the individual to engage in activities that bring pleasure or a sense of achievement, helping to reduce depressive symptoms
How does CBT address automatic negative thoughts (ANTs)?
CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge these thoughts, aiming to prevent them from influencing emotions and behaviours
How does CBT use homework assignments?
Clients are given tasks to complete between therapy sessions, which help them practice and apply the skills they’ve learned in real-life situations
How does CBT challenge irrational thoughts?
Therapists help clients evaluate the evidence for and against their negative beliefs, and encourage them to replace irrational thoughts with more realistic ones
What is the role of Socratic questioning in CBT?
It involves the therapist asking probing questions to help the client critically examine and re-evaluate their distorted beliefs and thought patterns
