Cognitive explanations of depression

• Becks cognitive triad


  consists of a negative view of self, a negative view of the world, a negative view of the future
• Negative self schemas


  According to Beck, depressed people possess negative self-schemas, which vary from negative experiences
• Cognitive biases 


  Beck found that depressed people are more likely to focus on the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positives. They also make overgeneralisations (sweeping statements). And alternatively they may experience catastrophising, where they exaggerate a minor setback as a complete disaster
• Ellis' ABC model


  This model proposed a three stage model to explain how irrational thoughts could lead to depression
• A-activating event


  an event occurs
• B-Beliefs


  Your belief is your interpretation of the event, which could either be rational or irrational
• C-Consequences 


  Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotional outcomes whereas irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotional outcomes, including depression