Beck (1961) - Cognitive explanations of depression

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To understand cognitive distortions in patients with depression.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Clinical interviews (IMD).

Question 3

Participants

Answer 3

50 PS with depression (16m/34f), compared with 31 non-depressed patients.

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Face to face interviews, and reports of patients’ thoughts before session and during.

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Certain themes occurred in depressed patients that didn’t occur in non-depressed patients: low self-esteem, self-blame, overwhelming responsibilities, desire to escape, anxiety, and paranoia.

Distortions were involuntary, plausible, and persistent.

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Patients showed cognitive distortions that deviated from logical and realistic thinking. This only related to depression and not disorder.