cognitive approach in exp depression

what does the cognitive approach suggest ab depression?

depression caused by irrational & faulty thinking

who are 2 psychologists who investigated this (how cognitive approach causes depression) ?

Beck & Ellis

what did Beck come up with?

Beck's negative triad

What did Ellis come up with?

ABC model

What is Beck's negative triad?

▸ everyone has negative self self schemas developed in childhood -> become activated in new sitch

▸ neg schemas lead to negative cognitive biases - over generalisation (eg get critical feedback and apply too self worth)

▸ 3 key elements in persons belief system

▶ thinking ab THEMSELVES

▶ thinking about the FUTURE

▶ thinking about the WORLD

What is Ellis's ABC model?

proposed irrational beliefs causes depression

A= Activating event - the trigger , usually external event

B= Beliefs - having irrational beliefs

C= Consequences - emotional & behavioural changes - irrational can lead to depressive behaviours

Evaluate the Cognitive Approach to Explaining Depression - STRENGTHS

✔️ Research support - Bates et al - depressed patients who were givrn neg automatic thought statements became more depressed supporting view neg thinking lead 2 depression

✔️ effective treatments - Irl app - CBT Cognitive Behavioural therapy

Evaluate the Cognitive Approach to Explaining Depression - weaknesses

❌ cause & effect? - link between depression + neg thoughts but doesnt mean it causes depression (cld be side effect of the disorder so research only correlational

HOWEVER some research is showing that faulty cognitions can be seen b4 onset of depression suggesting cause

❌ Irrational thoughts may not be irrational - Alloy & Abrahmason suggests depressed opl r more likelu to see things as they r and arent optimistic like norm ppl - sadder but wiser effect

❌ doesnt exp ALL depressive symptoms (particular severe depression) - depression is severe complex disorder & some characteristics such as extreme anger or even hallucinations cannot be ez exp by both models

❌ Simplistic - approach ignores many other factors eg link between insecure attachments in childhood or even biological aspects such as low serotonin in the brain