+ +

As you think, so you feel

Emphasises the role of cognitive processes (beliefs, thoughts, perceptions) in causing psychological disorders

Most contemporary psychological approach

Key figures; Beck and Ellis (60s)

Uses elements derived from other approaches

The Cognitive Approach

Key Assumptions of The Cognitive Perspective

Individuals who suffer from mental disorders have distorted and irrational thinking – which may cause maladaptive behaviour.

It is the way you think about the problem rather than the problem itself which causes the mental disorder.

Individuals can overcome mental disorders by learning to use more appropriate cognitions.

In the other 3 approaches, an individuals behaviour is caused by forces outside of their control

The cognitive model portrays the individual as being the cause of the own behaviour, because the individual controls their own thoughts.

Abnormality therefore is the product of faulty control.

Beck’s Model of Depression (1979)

‘The Cognitive Triad’Negative Triad (3 negative Schemata)

Negative view of the selfNegative view of the worldNegative view of the future

Cognitive Bias Explanation

Minimisation The bias towards minimising success in life.

Maximisation The bias towards maximising the importance of even trivial failures.

Selective Abstraction A bias towards focusing on only the negative aspects of life and ignoring the wider picture

All or nothing Thinking A tendency to see life in terms of black and white and ignoring the middle ground; you are a success or a failure, rather than not good at some things but OK at others.

Activating events (A) have consequences (C) which are affected by beliefs (B).Rational beliefsIrrational beliefs

Beliefs are affected by same Cognitive Biases as in Beck’s model.

Evidence for cognitive biases and dysfunctional thinking and beliefs in depression and anxiety disorders

Therapy based on this model can be very effective for anxiety disorders and depression

No account of biological or genetic factors in psychopathology

The disorder may lead to dysfunctional thinking, rather than dysfunctional thinking causing the disorder (chicken/egg)

Negative thoughts sometimes reflect an accurate view of the world – depressive realism.

Takes no account of situational or environmental factors

Presentation of cognitive approach, using either Ellis or Beck’s model (VAK?)

Remainder of this lesson, and Friday’s lesson.

Presentation will be first part of Tuesday’s lesson It can be a play, a radio call-in show (e.g. Frazier), a

visual display of some description, a mobile to hang from ceiling, model of a person (somehow???). Get creative …

Must have key cognitive approach concepts, and must clearly explain the model, somehow.

Each person in group must have an identified task to do. No freeloaders!

If you need resources, you need to identify them by the end of this lesson so I can get them to you on Friday. (Be realistic about college resources!)