Depression

• What are the 2 cognitive approaches when explaining depression

  Beck's triad and Ellis' model
• What is the negative triad

  Depression is more common when people have negative schemas that can lead to cognitive biases thinking all situation s are negative. These negative schemas help maintain the negative triad and therefore can help maintain depression.

  the negative triad: negative views about the self, world and future
• What is Ellis' ABC model of depression?

  It suggests that depression stems from irrational thinking. Ellis defines irrational as thoughts that interfere with the ability to be happy and free of pain instead of unrealistic and illogical.

  A= Activating event

  B= Beliefs

  C=consequence

  People with depression mostly have mustabatory thinking
• What is one strength of the cognitive approach to depression?

  Practical applications: formed CBT
• What are 4 weaknesses of the cognitive approach to depression?

  Irrational thinking may be realistic. Alloy and Abrahmson said that depressed people gave more accurate estimates for the likelihood of disaster showing they're 'sadder but wiser'.

  Consequence rather than cause: We don't know if irrational thinking is a cause or consequence of depression

  Blames the patient for depression which can be good as patients have the power to change but it can lead to overlooking situational factors.

  Ignoring other approaches: Ignores biological approach. Depressed people have lower levels of serotonin.