The cognitive approach to explaining depression

Question 1

Beck (1967)

Answer 1

suggested that irrational thinking can lead to depression

Question 2

Becks negative triad

Answer 2

Depression can be linked to faulty information processing where we focus on negative aspects and minimise the good.
three things: themselves, their world and the future.

Question 3

Negative self schemas

Answer 3

which are mental frameworks which we develop mostly though experience which are used to interpret and predict the world.

Question 4

Ellis (1962)

Answer 4

abnormality is caused by faulty and irrational thinking. Irrational thinking involves thinking in a way that others would find difficult to understand.

Question 5

Ellis ABC model

Answer 5

A - activating event (fail an exam)
B - belief (I will always fail exams)
C - consequence (you become demotivated)

Question 6

Evaluation strength: good practical application

Answer 6

CBT has been devised from the idea that faulty thinking leads to abnormal behaviour.

Question 7

Evaluation strength: supported by research into attachment

Answer 7

that has linked poor childhood relationships with parents as increasing vulnerability to depression.

Question 8

Evaluation weakness: cannot explain all types of depression

Answer 8

some variations include psychotic symptoms which are most likely caused by faulty biology.

Question 9

Evaluation weakness: puts the blame on the patient

Answer 9

it assumes it is their faulty thinking that has made them mentally ill.

Question 10

Evaluation weakness: issues with causation

Answer 10

Faulty thinking may be a symptom of abnormality rather than the cause.