The cognitive approach to explaining depression

Question 1

Burger for ABC model (ellis abc model, explaining depressions)

Answer 1

B: Activating event (A) leads to beliefs (B) which can be rational or irrational.
U: Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions (e.g., acceptance), while irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotions (e.g., depression).
R: Example: You get fired. “The company was overstaffed” (rational) vs. “I was sacked because they’ve always had it in for me” (irrational).
G: Support for irrational thinking’s role in depression (Hammen and Krantz), but it may not be the sole cause.
E: The model can overlook situational factors; recovery may depend on recognizing environmental influences.
R: Practical applications in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) support the role of irrational thoughts in depression.

Question 2

Burger for masturbatory thinking (ellis abc model, explaining depressions

Answer 2

B: Involves unrealistic expectations (e.g., “I must be liked by everyone”).
U: Such thoughts lead to disappointment and contribute to feelings of depression.
R: These thoughts create a cycle of failure and reinforce negative self-perception.
G: Highlights how high expectations can set individuals up for failure and emotional distress.
E: Irrational beliefs may create a sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction in relationships.
R: Supports the need to challenge and reframe such thoughts in therapy.

Question 3

Burger for negative schema (becks negative triad)

Answer 3

B: Develops in childhood, often due to experiences like parental rejection.
U: Leads to cognitive biases that distort reality and enhance negative thinking patterns.
R: Example: Viewing oneself as worthless due to early negative experiences.
G: Demonstrates the role of early life experiences in shaping cognitive processes.
E: These schemas can perpetuate depression by filtering information negatively.
R: Evidence supports that negative schemas contribute to the onset and maintenance of depression.

Question 4

Burger for the negative triad (becks negative triad)

Answer 4

B: Consists of negative views of self, the world, and the future.
U: This triad creates a pervasive negative outlook that fosters depression.
R: Example: “I am worthless” (self), “The world is unfair” (world), “I will never be happy” (future).
G: The negative triad explains how depression can maintain itself through distorted perceptions.
E: Supports cognitive therapy, as addressing these thoughts can alleviate symptoms.
R: Studies show depressed individuals tend to have these negative thought patterns (e.g., Alloy and Abrahamson).