Evaluation of cognitive model of abnormality

Question 1

Free will vs Determinism

Answer 1

Accounts for free will unlike behaviourist approach- individual responsible for own behaviour.
Cognitive model places blame for abnormality firmly on patient.
-behavioural model blames environment.
-biological model blames unavoidable genetic & chemical influences.
Cognitive model allows for processes such as decision making and choice- makes model more acceptable to people as idea of not having free will is uncomforting.
May empower depressed people to overcome own disorder by changing way they think- prevent recurrences- however argues every person should be ‘self sufficient’ and not simply ‘indulge’ themselves with negative thoughts e.g if depression seen as indulgence of negative thinking then model ignores social & economical situations that may also need to change for persons quality of life to improve.

Question 2

Usefulness

Answer 2

Hopeful approach as assumes people have power to change their behaviour- CBT widely considered extremely useful as recommended as first line treatment of depression.

Question 3

Cause + Effect- Nature vs Nurture

Answer 3

Faulty thinking is feature of abnormality- may not actually be the cause.
Could be that people develop faulty cognitions because they are depressed or anxious (nature) rather than thought processes causing abnormality that are influences by learning & experience (nurture).
Approach encourages idea people are responsible for own psychological problems i.e could be ‘normal’ if they chose. Could lead to people being blamed for psychological abnormalities.

Question 4

Reductionism

Answer 4

Ignores biological causes of abnormality such as genetic, biochemistry etc…