Ellis' ABC Model

• what does Ellis argue?

  -irrational beliefs lead to depression

  -rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions
• ABC


  A = activating agent

  B = belief

  C = consequence > emotions & behaviours about event
• Ellis ABC Model Example - Rational

  A = didn't receive invitation from party

  B = haven't shown much interest in event

  C = demonstrate disappointment & show interest
• Ellis ABC Model example - irrational

  A = didn't receive party invitation

  B = nobody likes me

  C = upset & ignore other people > social withdrawal
• what causes irrational beliefs?

  Ellis argues:

  -source is mustabatory thinking
• mustabatory thinking


  -where people think certain assumptions must be true to be happy
• 3 main examples of mustabatory thinking

  1 - I must be approved of/accepted by people

  2 - I must do well or I'm worthless

  3 - The world must give me happiness or I'll die
• effects of mustabatory thinking

  -being disappointed all the time

  -at worst depressed

  -'musts' need to be challenged to be healthy