Give a brief account of the core types of irrational beliefs (iBs) in REBT and of the emotional consequences to which each iB is typically linked.

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

REBT was founded by Albert Ellis in 1955.

It is a talking therapy and a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

It seeks to improve clients unhelpful feelings and behaviour by helping to change negative beliefs and thinking patterns.

REBT posits that psychological problems come from our thoughts, behaviours and feelings, rather than external events themseleves.

The core idea is the B-C connection: that our underlying beliefs (B) lead to our emotional and behavioural consequences (C) in response to an activating event (A)

Question 2

Para 1) Core types of irrational beliefs in REBT

Answer 2

(DiGiuseppe et al., 2013)

Irrational beliefs are described as rigid, inconsistent with reality, absolutistic demands (musts) and they dont help you to meet your goals.
these are seen as the cause of unhealthy emotions and behaviour.

These beliefs consist of a premise and a conclusion.

Question 3

The 4 core irrational beliefs

Answer 3

Cramer, D. (1985).
4 core types of irrational beliefs include:
1) demandingness- these are dogmatic musts and should’s.
by some models, this is seen by the core iB, which leads to other types.
Examples of this include: ‘I must do well or i’m no good’
These demands can be about oneself or the world.

2) Awfulising- rating an unfortunate event as terrible or the worst thing that could ever happen.
this often follows demandingness (eg, I must or this will be a terrible disaster)

3) Frustration Intolerance (FI)- Demands for ease and comfort, believing ‘I can’t bear it, I cant live with/without it’ etc.
Often follows demandingness (eg, This is too hard, I cannot cope alone)

4) Global evaluations of human worth/devaluation- rating oneself/ others as ‘worthless’
often follows from demandingness- eg, I must… or i am worthless or you must… or you are evil.

Question 4

the emotional consequences linked to each irrational belief

Answer 4

David, D., & Cramer, D. (2010).
Irrational beliefs are associated with maladaptive emotions.
the main goal of REBT is to change these maladaptive emotions to adaptive emotions (ME-AE)

example:
turning anxiety into concern
turning depression into sadness
turning clinical anger into annoyance.

Ellis suggested that certain iB’s are related to certain unhealthy emotions:
Demandingness= stems from anger, devaluation of self, condemnation.

Awfulizing of the situation= stems from discomfort anxiety, self-pity, depression.

Frustration intolerance= discomfort anxiety, self-pity and depression.

Global evaluation of human worth= ego anxiety, shame, guilt, depression, self-hatred.