The cognitive perspective (beck & ellis)

assumptions (1)

believes mental illness stems from faulty cognitions about others, our world & us. May be through cognitive deficiencies (lack of planning) or cognitive distortions (processing info inaccurately)

(2)

these cognitions cause distortions in how we see things; ellis suggested it is through irrational thinking, beck proposed the cognitive triad

(3)

we interact with the world through our mental representation of it. if our mental representations are inaccurate or our ways of reasoning are inadequate, our emotions & behaviour may become disordered

The study of internal processes (1)

cognitive psychologists strive to work out what thought processes are occurring from the behaviour an experiment suggests

(2)

they apply scientific method & have devised some clever ways in which to examine thought

(3)

although we are aware of our thought processes, there are often times when we are actually unaware of what thoughts led us to behave a certain way

schema

a collection of ideas about a person or situation formed through experience which helps the individual to understand & predict the world around them

the role of schema

schemas are unique to each individual as our experiences of the world are unique. our schemas mean we see our own version of reality

Beck's theory (1)

aaron beck referred to the irrational & maladaptive thoughts that lead to mental disorders as cognitive errors

(2)

beck claimed mental disorders like depression are rooted in the maladaptive ways people think about:

-themselves eg i can't succeed at anything

-the world eg it's necessary to be successful to e a good person

-the future eg nothing will change

(3)

he referred to this as a 'cognitive triad' of negative, automatic thoughts. these negative schemas dominate thinking

Ellis' theory (1)

albert ellis also argued that irrational thoughts are the main cause of emotional distress & behaviour disorders as they lead to a self-defeating internal dialogue of negative/catastrophising self statements

(2)

he identified 11 basic irrational beliefs that are emotionally self-defeating & commonly associated with psychological problems

Example:

"i must be loved & accepted by absolutely everybody" & "i must be excellent in every respect & never make mistakes otherwise i'm worthless

(3)

sometimes referred to as the 'ABC model'

Ellis claims disorders begin with an: (1)

A) Activating event eg a failed exam

(2)

B) leading to a Belief - may be rational (eg i didn't work hard enough) or irrational (eg im too stupid to pass)

(3)

C) The belief leads to Consequences, which can be adaptive (appropriate) for rational beliefs (eg i'll do more revision) or maladaptive (inappropriate) for irrational beliefs (eg getting depressed)