The cognitive approach to explaining depression

Question 1

What is depression characterized by?

Answer 1

Irrational thinking

Question 2

What are the examples of cognitive approach explaining depression?

Answer 2

• Beck’s negative triad

- Ellis’ ABC Model

Question 3

Explain how Beck’s negative triad explains depression

Answer 3

Beck believed:
- Depressed individuals feel this way because
> Thinking based on negative internalisation
> Lack a perceived sense of control
- This is supported by the Negative Schema

Question 4

Explain how a Negative schema explains depression

Answer 4

- Caused by:
> Parental/peer rejection
> Criticism by teachers
- Have a negative view of the world
- Activated when person encounters new situation similar to where negative scheme was learnt

Question 5

What does having a Negative schema lead to?

Answer 5

Systematic cognitive biases

e.g individual over-generalise

Question 6

State what the Negative Triad actually is

Answer 6

• Maintained by negative schemas & cognitive bases

- A pessimistic & irrational view of 3 key elements in persons belief system

Question 7

What are the 3 pessimistic & irrational view of a persons belief system?

Answer 7

• The self
• The world ( life experiences)
• The future

Question 8

Explain how Ellis’ ABC model explains depression

Answer 8

The ABC model is

• A = Refers to an ACTIVATING event
• B = Refers to the BELIEF, irrational or rational
• C = Consequence

Question 9

Develop on what the A stands for in Ellis’ ABC model

Answer 9

• Where irrational thoughts are triggered by external events
• We get depressed when we experience negative events, triggering irrational beliefs
  e. g failing a test

Question 10

Develop on what the B stands for in Ellis’ ABC model

Answer 10

• Beliefs such as
  > We must always succeed
  > Achieve perfect ‘musturbation’
• Has a utopianism belief

Question 11

Develop on what the C stands for in Ellis’ ABC model

Answer 11

When activating an event triggers irrational beliefs has emotional & behavioural consequences
e.g if you believe you need to succeed then fail, depression will occur

Question 12

State what Musturbation thinking is

Answer 12

• Source of irrational beliefs
• Thinking certain ideas must be true in order to be happy
  e. g “I must be approved by people I find important”