Ellis's ABC Model

Ellis's ABC model, proposed in 1962, explains how irrational thoughts contribute to poor mental health, including depression:

A - Activating event: Situations that trigger irrational thoughts B - Beliefs: Irrational beliefs, including "musterbation" and "utopianism" C - Consequences: Emotional and behavioral outcomes resulting from irrational beliefs triggered by activating events

Vocabulary: "Musterbation" refers to the belief that one must always succeed or achieve perfection. "Utopianism" is the belief that life is always meant to be fair.

Highlight: Ellis' ABC model of depression provides a framework for understanding how external events, beliefs, and consequences interact in depression.

Evaluation of Ellis's model:

• Offers a partial explanation, as not all cases of depression follow activating events
• Has practical applications in CBT, with research supporting the effectiveness of challenging irrational beliefs
• Doesn't explain all aspects of depression, such as anger or hallucinations
• Challenges the concept of cognitive primacy, as emotions are not always influenced by cognition

Example: In CBT based on Ellis's ABC model for depression, therapists help patients identify and challenge irrational beliefs to reduce depressive symptoms.

The document also briefly mentions the relationship between attachment and depression, noting that infants with insecure attachments to parents are more likely to experience depression in adulthood.

Highlight: The cognitive explanation of depression a level Psychology encompasses both Beck's and Ellis's theories, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the cognitive processes involved in depression.