Ellis’ ABC model

• A = activating event

  • Depression occurs through external events, creating irrational thoughts
• B = beliefs

  • Identified a range of irrational beliefs
  • The belief that we must always succeed or achieve perfection is ‘musturbation’
  • ’Utopianism’ - the belief that life is always meant to be fair
• C = Consequences

  • There’s differences in consequences to irrational and rational behaviour
• Strength/weakness - partial explanation

  • only explains some cases
  • some types of depression don’t have activating events
• Strength - practical applications in CBT

  • Easily explained through therapy
  • Challenging certain beliefs and ways of behaving can help with depression
• Weakness - Doesnt explain all aspects of depression

  • Doesnt explain anger, hallucinations or bizarre beliefs
• Economical implications

  • allows for easier and faster diagnosis and treatment, allowing for faster return to work and more motivation