Discuss the cognitive approach to explaining depression

Question 1

AO1: Description (3 marks) – Beck’s Cognitive Theory

Answer 1

Beck proposed that depression is rooted in negative thought patterns, which he referred to as “faulty information processing.” Depressed individuals tend to focus on the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positives, leading to cognitive distortions. Beck also identified the negative triad, which consists of three types of negative thinking: negative views about the self (“I am worthless”), the world (“The world is unfair”), and the future (“Things will never get better”). These thoughts interact and perpetuate depressive feelings.

Question 2

AO1: Description (3 marks) –Ellis’s ABC Model

Answer 2

Ellis developed the ABC Model to explain how irrational thoughts contribute to depression. According to Ellis, depression arises from an Activating Event (A), which triggers irrational Beliefs (B), leading to emotional and behavioral Consequences (C). For instance, failing a test (A) might lead someone to believe, “I’m a failure and will never succeed” (B), which results in feelings of hopelessness and withdrawal (C). Ellis emphasized how irrational beliefs, such as “musturbatory thinking” (e.g., “I must be loved by everyone”), increase vulnerability to depression.

Question 3

AO3: Evaluation (10 marks) –Strength: Supporting Research Evidence

Answer 3

The cognitive approach is supported by substantial evidence. For example, Graziosi and Terry (2000) found that women with high cognitive vulnerability (e.g., negative thinking patterns) were more likely to develop postnatal depression. Such findings highlight the predictive validity of cognitive theories, supporting the idea that negative thought patterns are a key factor in depression. Furthermore, the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), based on these theories, lends further credibility to this approach.

Question 4

AO3: Evaluation (10 marks) –Limitation: Oversimplification of Depression

Answer 4

A criticism of the cognitive approach is that it oversimplifies the causes of depression. While it emphasizes the role of thought patterns, it largely ignores biological factors such as genetics and neurotransmitters. For instance, studies have shown that low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, and antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) effectively reduce symptoms in some patients. This suggests that a comprehensive explanation should integrate both cognitive and biological perspectives.

Question 5

AO3: Evaluation (10 marks) – Strength: Practical Applications

Answer 5

The cognitive approach has significant real-world applications, particularly in the development of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to challenge and change irrational beliefs, has proven highly effective in treating depression. For example, March et al. (2007) found that CBT was as effective as antidepressants in treating depression, and a combination of the two was even more effective. This demonstrates how the cognitive approach not only explains depression but also provides actionable solutions for treatment.

Question 6

AO3: Evaluation (10 marks) Issues and Debates (IF YOU HAVE TIME)

Answer 6

The cognitive approach to explaining depression aligns with a soft determinism perspective, as it acknowledges that individuals’ thought patterns may predispose them to depression but still allows for free will in changing these patterns through interventions like CBT. However, it may be criticized for being reductionist, as it focuses primarily on cognitive processes while overlooking the complex interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors in depression. This narrow focus raises concerns about whether the approach fully captures the multifaceted nature of the disorder.