ABC model (depression)

• cognitive theory of depression
• ABC stands for Activating event -> Belief -> Consequences
• states depression begins with irrational beliefs
• activating event?

  situation which can trigger someone to have an irrational thought, eg not being invited out with friends or getting a bad grade on a test
• belief?

  can be rational or irrational; eg if not invited out with friends, one person might think the group left a message they they missed, while another thinks the group is plotting against them
• consequence?

  impacted by type of belief; if belief is irrational, person is more likely to feel hopeless leading to symptoms of depression
• claims that the same event can happen to 2 people, but they can interpret it very differently
• criticisms?

  * assumes people have control over their beliefs bc of free will and makes theory overly optimistic; some psychologists believe depression is determined by other factors

  * model doesn't really explain depression that happens without an activation event, one that's more biologically driven

  * problems with cause and effect; do irrational beliefs cause depression or are they symptoms of it?