The cognitive approach to explaining depression.

• Beck proposed that there were three kinds of negative

  thinking that contributed to becoming depressed: ?

  1. the self
  2. the future
  3. the world
• Ellis’ ABC model?

  1. Activating event triggers

  2. Beliefs which are irrational; this produces

  3. Consequences – an emotional response

  It is the irrational beliefs which trigger the response, not the event itself.
• Aaron Beck (1967) developed his theory of depression from his work with patients suffering from depression at the University of Pennsylvania. He noticed that they all had similar patterns of thinking about their problems.
• Cognitive therapy can be effective in treating depression by helping individuals identify and challenge their negative thoughts. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who have experienced trauma or abuse.
• The cognitive approach has been criticised because it ignores biological factors such as genetics and neurotransmitters. It also fails to explain why some people become depressed but others do not when faced with similar stressful events.
• The ABC model can be applied to any situation or event. It suggests that it is our interpretation of events rather than the events themselves that cause us distress.