EVALUATION

• POSITIVE CRITICISMS?

  • has research support
  • has real world application
• NEGATIVE CRITISCMS?

  • low explanatory power
  • fail to consider role of biology
• WHAT RESEARCH SUPPORT?

  • Grazioli and Terry
  • tested 65 pregnant women for cognitive vulnerability before + after birth
  • those cognitively vulnerable more likely to suffer post-natal depression
  • suggests depression is caused by faulty cognitions
• REAL WORLD APPLICATION?

  • developed CBT
  • effective in many cases
  • helps patients challenge irrational beliefs
  • reduces depression in society as patients can integrate (form + maintain healthy relationships)
  • positive impacts on economy
• LOW EXPLANATORY POWER?

  • some with depression experience extreme anger and hallucinations
  • can develop cotard syndrome (believe they are dead)
  • only describes that patients have faulty thinking not why they have it
• FAILS TO CONSIDER BIOLOGY?

  • evidence that shows serotonin is low in depressed patients
  • does faulty thinking cause depression and changes in our biology or vice versa
  • diathesis-stress model more appropriate
  • certain genes make people more likely to suffer from a mental disorder
  • environmental factors trigger