Ellis's ABC model

• What did Ellis propose a 'good' mental health is the result of?

  Rational thinking
• According to Ellis, where did conditions like depression result from?

  Irrational thoughts
• What is rational thinking defined as?

  Thinking in ways that allow people to be happy and free from pain
• What are irrational thoughts defined as?

  Any thoughts that interfere with us being happy and free from pain
• What model did Ellis use to explain how irrational thoughts affect our behaviour and emotional state?

  ABC model
• What does the A stand for the ABC model?

  Activating event
• What does the B stand for in the ABC model?

  Beliefs
• What does the C stand for in the ABC model?

  Consequences
• A - Activating event


  Where irrational thoughts are triggered by negative events
• B - Beliefs


  Ellis identified a range of irrational beliefs:

  'musturbation', 'I-can't stand-it-itis' and 'utopianism'
• C - Consequences


  When an activating event triggers irrational beliefs there are emotional and behavioural consequences
• What is 'musturbation'?

  The belief that we must always succeed/achieve perfection
• What is 'I-can't-stand-it-itis'?

  The belief that it is a major disaster when something doesn't go right
• What is 'utopianism'?

  The belief that life is always meant to be fair