discuss the different types of research evidence evaluating REBT theory and therapy

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

In order to evaluate REBT theory, the core assumptions of the theory must be tested, particularly the link between irrational beliefs and psychological disturbance.

Question 2

Bond and Dryden 1996, 1997- REBT hypothesis

Answer 2

Investigated the REBT hypothesis that rational beliefs lead to functional inferences and irrational beliefs lead to dysfunctional inferences.

Their experiments demonstrated that ppts who hold rational beliefs form inferences that are significantly more functional than those who are formed by ppts who hold irrational beliefs.

Question 3

Sufficiency hypothesis:

Answer 3

REBT theory proposes that it is sufficient for rational beliefs to be expressed as preferences and for irrational beliefs to be expressed as demands in order to influence the functionality of inferences (FI)

The way beliefs are framed is sufficient on its own to influence how people think and draw conclusions.

Question 4

Bond, Dryden and Briscoe 1997- Testing Sufficiency hypothesis

Answer 4

Previous experiments by Bond and Dryden did not specifically test the sufficiency hypothesis- because the beliefs used included both a primary belief (preference or demand) and a corresponding secondary belief (functional or dysfunctional content)- making it unclear which component was responsible for the effect on FI.

However, this experiment was designed to directly test the sufficency hypothesis by comparing ‘evaluative’ beliefs (primary+secondary component) with ‘primary’ beliefs (must and preferences only)

The results of this experiment indicated that the sufficiency hypothesis was NOT supported- appears that primary beliefs (musts) alone are not sufficient to affect (FI).

Primary beliefs need to be attached to secondary beliefs with corresponding functional or dysfunctional content.

Evaluations (musts and preferences) are not sufficient mechanisms by which beliefs affect FI.

Question 5

Cristea, Tatar, Nagy and David 2012- testing the effectiveness of specific reappraisal strategies

Answer 5

This compared three different strategies for managing negative emotions and beliefs-

Negative functional reappraisal (from CBT/ REBT)- facing a negative situation directly and reinterpreting it in realistic terms.

Positive reappraisal- finding positive meaning in a negative event.

control condition- no reappraisal strategy.

Findings- Negative functional reappraisal was the most effective in reducing negative emotions, best at reducing irrational beliefs and the most successful in increasing rational beliefs

It outperformed positive reappraisal, especially in changing irrational and rational beliefs.

Therefore, these findings support a core idea in REBT- mechanisms of change-
changing irrational beliefs through realistic and rational thinking is key to emotional well-being.

Question 6

Experimental measures in the study by Cristea, Tatar, Nagy and David 2012-

Answer 6

To test emotional experience-
Profile of Affective Distress (PAD) was used- a self report measure of subjective distress and positive emotions, validated on a Romanian population.

It includes categories for functional and dysfunctional negative emotions based on REBT theory.

Used a global negative emotional score and a seperate positive emotion score- showed very good internal consistency (0.94 for each)

To test dysfunctional and functional beliefs= attitudes and beliefs scale 2 (ABS-2) was used-

a 72 item self-report measure providing separate total scores for irrational and rational beliefs.

Adapted and validated on the Romanian pop.

showed adequate discriminate validity and very good internal consistency (0.84 for irrational scale, 0.86 for rational scale)