Ellis’s ABC Model

• Ellis took a different approach from Beck (negative triad) to explaining depression.
• According to Ellis, good mental health is the result of rational thinking which allows people to be happy and pain free.
• Ellis proposed the A-B-C three stage model, to explain how irrational thoughts could lead to depression.
• Albert Ellis (1962) developed the ABC model.
• The ABC model includes information about the activating event, the belief and the consequences of this.
• Part A of the ABC model is the activating event/ trigger.
• Part B of the ABC model is the belief that people hold based on the information.
• Part C of the ABC model is the behavioural consequences for the individual.
• A belief is your interpretation of the event, which can either be rational or irrational.
• According to Ellis, rational beliefs lead to healthy emotional outcomes and vice versa.
• Irrational beliefs can lead to unhealthy emotional outcomes, including depression.
• Ellis believed rational and logical thoughts lead to good mental health and happiness.