Alternative to medical model: Cognitive model of abnormality Flashcards
(8 cards)
Cognitive explanations
Based on assumption that people can control how they select, store and think about info.
The way we think about ourselves affects our perception of world- affects way we view the future.
How does the cognitive explanation interpret abnormality?
According to cognitive approach, root of abnormality= faulty/ irrational thought processes- these take form of negative thoughts about oneself, negative expectations of future and distorted/unrealistic perception of the world.
Main assumptions of the cognitive approach to abnormality
- Abnormal behaviour is caused by abnormal thinking processes and irrational cognitions
- It is the way you think about a problem rather than the problem itself that causes mental disorders.
- Individuals can overcome mental disorders by learning to use more appropriate cognitions.
Cognitions affect behaviour
Healthy cognitions/ thought processes lead to normal behaviour.
Faulty cognitions/ irrational thoughts lead to abnormal behaviour e.g a faulty cognition may be thinking of a small set back in life as a major obstacle that can’t be overcome- Aaron Beck called these irrational thoughts ‘Cognitive errors’.
Ppl with psychological problems may have inaccurate expectations about world & other people’s behaviour based on faulty attributions and schemas e.g person who experienced bad relationship may expect relationships to end in failure in the future- makes more likely to= self fulfilling prophecy.
Aaron Beck’s Triad Theory
Negative view of: Self, Future, World.
Cognitive distortions
Another example of faulty thought processes= cognitive distortions.
Include over generalisation, magnification and minimisation.
Over generalisation= refers to tendency to reach a conclusion about world based on evidence from a single event. e.g unsuccessful job interview could over generalise to mean you are unemployable and will never get a job.
Magnification= tendency to magnify small events, usually set backs, so appear more serious than they really are.
Minimisation= tendency to turn a success into something insignificant.
Cognitions can be monitored and altered
Cognitive model of abnormality is based on faulty cognitions, follows that all biased cognitions can be replaced by more appropriate ones. Replacement of a negative over generalisation gives scope for improvement- puts failure into context.
Cognitive change will lead to a behaviour change
Changing faulty thinking will lead to change in behaviour- behave more positive and determined.
Aim of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is to challenge faulty thinking that may underlie a mental illness or psychological abnormality, in doing so change persons behaviour.
