Cognitive theories

• What is the cognitive theory for SZ?

  Irrational thought processes cause SZ
• What do Beck and Rector propose?


  Abnormalities in brain function -> increase in stress -> dysfunctional beliefs and behaviours -> cognitive deficits
• How can positive symptoms be explained cognitively?

  • Delusions - caused by active cognitive biases
  • Hallucinations - caused by based information processing
• How can negative symptoms be explained cognitively?


  They are caused by cognitive strategies to control high levels of mental stimulation
• Who found cognitive impairments are the core features of SZ?

  Bowie and Harley (2006)
• What is some positives of cognitive theories?

  • Accounts for positive and negative symptoms
  • Can be combined with other explanations
  • If SZ is better characterised by cognitive defecits we could construct a cognitive defect profile to diagnose SZ
• What does a cognitive theory not explain?

  The cause of SZ