Ellis's ABC Model

• Ellis took a different approach to explaining depression and started by explaining what is required for 'good' mental health.
• According to Ellis, good mental health is the result of rational thinking which allows people to be happy and pain free, whereas depression is the result of irrational thinking, which prevents us from being happy and pain free.
• Activating Event:

  An event occurs, for example you pass a friend in the corridor at school, she/he ignores you, despite the fact you said 'hello'.
• Beliefs:

  Beliefs are your interpretation of an event, can be rational/ irrational.

  Rational-friend didn't see you/hear you

  Irrational- friend doesn't like you, never wants to speak to you ever again.
• Consequences:

  Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions.

  Rational- Will talk to friend later.

  Irrational beliefs lead to unnecessary emotions.

  Irrational- Ignore and delete friends mobile number.
• Albert Ellis (1962) developed the ABC model.
• The ABC model includes information about the activating event, the belief and the consequences of this.
• The A of the ABC model is the activating event/ trigger.
• B of the ABC model is the belief that people hold based on the information.
• C of the ABC model is the behavioural consequences for the individual.
• Ellis believed rational and logical thoughts lead to good mental health and happiness.