Lecture 6: Cognitive perspective (CBT)

Question 1

Key features of Cognitive Theory

Answer 1

• It is not enough to focus on observable events and observable behavior of behavior
• We respond not to events but to our cognitive interpretation of events
• It is dysfunctional (unhelpful) interpretations of events that produce emotional and behavioural disturbance

Question 2

Albert Ellis (1913-2007)

Answer 2

• The ABC model

= Activating event + Beliefs = Consequences

Question 3

Common irrational beliefs

Answer 3

• 12 of them

- E.g. the idea that a necessity for adults to be loved by significant others for everything we do…

Question 4

Aaron Beck (1921-)

Answer 4

1) Cognitive disorders are associated with certain specific thinking
patterns.
2) These result from persistent errors in interpreting events
3) These errors arise from faulty thinking or ‘cognitive distortions’
- Examples of cognitive distortions:
= Over-generalizing
= Catastrophising

Question 5

How does CBT work?

Answer 5

• Therapy focuses in the present
• Collaborative relationship with client
• Encourages the client to engage intellectually
• Aim is to examine distorted patterns of thinking and replace these with rational and helpful thoughts
• Encourages the client to become a ‘scientist’ – exploring the evidence
  for and against their beliefs
• Helps them to identify negative automatic thoughts (NAT), which in
  turn reflect underlying core beliefs about self or others
• Uses specific techniques to challenge
  and change unhelpful beliefs

Question 6

Five-part model

Answer 6

Situation, thoughts, physical reactions, behaviour, moods/feelings

• Christine Padesky
• Mood rating
• Thought record (diary)

Question 7

Strengths of CBT

Answer 7

• Become the dominant psychological model
• Considerable empirical evidence
• Fits well with the scientist-practitioner model
• Short term therapy
• Democratic - empowering

Question 8

Weaknesses

Answer 8

• Not enough attention paid to the therapeutic relationship
• Not enough focus on emotion
• Limits of outcome studies – are techniques really what make therapy
  successful?
• Overestimation of research evidence
• Deals with symptoms rather than underlying issues