The cognitive approach to treating depression Flashcards
What is the main principle of Ellis’ version of cognitive-behavioural therapy?
Challenging irrational thoughts.
What are the 4 key stages/principles of CBT?
Disputing
Homework
Behavioural activation
Unconditional positive regard
What are the 3 types of disputing?
Logical disputing (do irrational thoughts make sense?)
Empirical disputing (evidence for irrational thinking?)
Pragmatic disputing (do the irrational beliefs help the client?
What is the aim of disputing?
Client should have less catastrophic and more rational thoughts and interpretations of events. Feel more self-accepting.
What is involved in the homework section of CBT and what does it look to achieve?
Assignments between sessions such as looking for a job or asking someone on a date. Looks to test irrational beliefs against reality, putting rational beliefs into practice.
What is involved in the behavioural activation section of CBT and what does it look to achieve?
Clients become more active, engaging in pleasurable activities. Counters specific symptom and produces feelings that may act as antidote to depression.
What is the importance of unconditional positive regard?
Therapist will provide respect and appreciation regardless. Helps convince client of their value as a human. Facilitates a change in beliefs and attitudes.
(AO3) What is the effectiveness of CBT?
Ellis claimed 90% in his own study. Other meta-analysis found that it was less. Ellis explained the importance of therapist and client variables that have an important impact. Suggests CBT is effective, but reliant on certain factors.
(AO3) What is the significance of individual differences to CBT?
CBT more effective for some than others. Willingness to participate is important. Also some individuals may have rational thoughts that lead to stress and depression. Extremely rigid irrational thoughts have less success rates as well. Shows that other methods may be needed for certain individuals.
(AO3) What support is there for behavioural activation?
Study involving major depressive disorder adults. 3 groups: physical exercise, drug treatment or both. All groups experienced significant improvements, exercise group had lower relapse rates than drug group. Endorphins as an antidote. CBT process is effective.
(AO3) What is the alternative treatment to CBT?
Drug therapy (biological approach). Anti-depressants popular, effective and cost-effective. Less effort for client - more likely to participate. Best results when both CBT and drug treatments.
