Ellis ABC model

• A = Activating event

  B = Belief about why this happened

  C = Concentration of belief
• Model claims that disorders begin with activating event leading to a belief why it happened
• Belief can lead to a consequence
• Rational beliefs produce adaptive consequences

  Irrational beliefs produce maladaptive consequences
• Strengths of model:

  • Assigns responsibility to the individual to manage thoughts
  • Idiographic approach good as no two depressions are identical
  • Rational emotive behaviour therapy has been successful in treating depression
• Weaknesses of model

  • Suggest depressed are sadder but wiser
  • Tries to say irrational thoughts are not
  • Accounts for reactive depression but not endogenous
  • Limited external validity