The Cognitive Approach to Explaining Depression Flashcards
What is Beck’s negative triad?
Faulty information processing, negative self schema and negative triad (neg view of self, world & future).
What is Ellis’s ABC model?
Activating Event, Beliefs, Consequences.
What did Beck believe about depression?
Some people were more vulnerable than others, in particular it is their cognitions that create this vulnerability.
What did Ellis believe about depression?
Poor mental health is as a result of irrational thoughts, which he defined as any thoughts that interfere with us being happy and free from pain.
What is the strength for Beck’s model?
Research Support - Clark & Beck found that those cognitive vulnerabilities were more common in depressed people but they preceded the depression. This shows the association between cognitive vulnerability and depression.
What is the further strength of Beck’s model?
It allows for screening and treatment of depression. Cohen concluded that assessing cognitive vulnerability can help to screen young people, identifying those most at risk. Understanding this can also be applied in CBT. These therapies work by altering those cognitive vulnerabilities, making them more resistant.
What is the strength of Ellis’ model?
It has RWA - Ellis has also come up with REBT, wherein by vigorously arguing with them about their beliefs the therapist can alter those beliefs. There is some evidence to support the idea that REBT can change neg beliefs and relieve symptoms.
What is the limitation of Ellis’ model?
It only explains reactive depression and not endogenous depression. Many cases of depression are not traceable to life events and its not obvious what leads the person to become depressed. This is called endogenous depression and Ellis cannot explain it.
