Cognitive approach to explaining depression Flashcards
What is the emphasis of the cognitive approach in explaining depression?
The cognitive approach emphasizes how thinking shapes behavior.
How does the cognitive approach differ from the behavioral approach?
The cognitive approach focuses on the mind and thinking, while the behavioral approach ignores the concept of the mind.
What did Aaron Beck suggest about vulnerability to depression?
Beck suggested that a person’s cognitions create vulnerability to depression.
What is the role of irrational thinking in mental disorders according to cognitive psychologists?
Irrational thinking leads to mental disorders.
What is faulty information processing in the context of depression?
It involves attending to negative aspects of situations and ignoring positives.
Provide an example of faulty information processing in depression.
Focusing on someone winning £10 million instead of appreciating winning £1 million.
What are negative self-schemas?
Negative self-schemas are packages of information we have about ourselves that lead to negative interpretations.
What is a schema?
A schema is a ‘package of ideas and information developed through experience.’
What is the negative triad in Beck’s theory?
The negative triad consists of negative views of the world, the future, and the self.
What is an example of a negative view of the world?
‘The world is a cold hard place.’
What is an example of a negative view of the future?
‘There isn’t much chance that the economy will really get better.’
What is an example of a negative view of the self?
‘I am a failure.’
Fill in the blank: A self-schema is the package of information we have about _______.
ourselves.
True or False: According to Beck, negative thoughts about the future enhance hopefulness.
False.
What does it mean to blow small problems out of proportion?
It refers to exaggerating minor issues and thinking in black and white terms.
What does Albert Ellis’s ABC model explain?
How irrational thoughts affect behavior and emotional state
The model consists of Activating events, Beliefs, and Consequences.
In Ellis’s ABC model, what does ‘A’ stand for?
Activating event
It refers to external events that trigger irrational thoughts.
What is the focus of Ellis’s approach to depression?
Irrational thoughts triggered by negative events
Unlike Beck’s emphasis on automatic thoughts, Ellis emphasizes situational triggers.
What does ‘B’ represent in the ABC model?
Beliefs
These are the irrational beliefs that arise from activating events.
What term did Ellis use to describe the belief that one must always succeed?
Musterbation
This term refers to unrealistic expectations that can lead to disappointment.
List three examples of ‘musts’ according to Ellis.
- I must be approved of or accepted by people I find important
- I must do well or very well, or I am worthless
- The world must give me happiness, or I will die
These assumptions can lead to negative emotional outcomes.
What does ‘C’ stand for in the ABC model?
Consequences
These are the emotional and behavioral outcomes resulting from beliefs triggered by activating events.
True or False: According to Ellis, depression results from failing an exam alone.
False
Depression arises from the irrational beliefs held about the failure, not the failure itself.
