depression✅ Flashcards
what is depression
a mood disorder affecting 10% of the population
what are behavioural characteristics of depression
- disruption to sleep and eating habits eg: insomnia or binging
- activity levels –> reduced energy (lethargy)
- aggression or self harm –> irritability, verbally/physicaly aggressive
what are the emotional characteristics of depression
- lowered self esteem –> sufferers do not ‘like’ themselves
- anger –> directed at them selves or others
- lowered mood –> feeling worthless and empty
what are the cognitive characteristics of depression
- absolutist thinking –> black and white thinking
- poor concentration –> unable to make decisions or stick with task
- attending to and dwelling on the negative
how does the cognitive approach explain depression
-according to the cognitive explanaition, emotional problems are a result of cognitive distortions (irrational thinking)
- 2 main theories = Beck’s cognitive triad and Ellis’ irrational thinking (ABC model)
how did Beck’s Negative Cognitive Triad explain depression?
-claimed that depression is caused by negative self schemas maintaining the cognitive triad;
= a negative and irrational view about ourselves, our future and the world around us
what is a negative self schema in regards to the cognitive explanation of depression
- a ‘package’ of knowledge that stores info about our self and the world
- these schemas develop during childhood
- according to Beck, depressed ppl possess negative self schemas which come from negative experiences
eg: criticism from parents
what is an example of a negative self schema?
ineptness schema
describe an ineptness schema
- makes sufferers expect to fail
- self blame that makes them feel responsible for misfortunes
- constantly reminds them of their worthlessness
describe Beck’s cognitive biases in regard to the cognitive explanation for depression
- depressed ppl are more likely to focus on negative aspects of situation
- this distorts information–> known as cognitive bias
name two types of cognitive bias according to Beck
- overgeneralisations
- catastrophising
describe overgeneralisations as a type of cognitive bias
- depressed person makes a sweeping conclusion based on a single incident
eg: “ I failed end ofunit test so I will fail whole A-level”
describe catastrophising as a type of cognitive bias
- depressed person exaggerates a minor setback and believe it is a complete disaster
“I’ve failed end of unit test therefore I am never going to study and uni or get a good job”
according to beck, what leads to depression
- negative self schemas and cognitive biases maintain the negative triad which is a negative view of three key aspects of a persons life which leads to depression
what does Ellis say in regards to causes of depression
- according to Ellis, good mental health is the result of rational thinking which allows ppl to be pain free and happy
- whereas depression is the result of irrational thinking which prevents us from being happy and pain free