Beck's cognitive theory of depression and Ellis's ABC model provide... Show more
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0
E
Erica
07/09/2025
Psychology
The cognitive approach to explaining depression
1 / 2
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.
Beck's Cognitive Theory of Depression
Beck's cognitive theory, proposed in 1967, explains why some individuals are more susceptible to depression. It emphasizes three key components:
-
Faulty information processing: Depressed individuals tend to focus on negative aspects and ignore positives, often magnifying small problems.
-
Negative self-schemas: People with depression interpret information about themselves negatively, based on schemas developed through experience.
-
The negative triad: This consists of three types of automatic negative thinking:
- Negative view of the world
- Negative view of the future
- Negative view of the self
Definition: A schema is a set of ideas and information developed through experience. A self-schema specifically refers to the information we have about ourselves.
Highlight: Beck's cognitive triad 1976 forms the core of his theory, explaining how negative thoughts about self, world, and future contribute to depression.
Evaluation of Beck's theory:
- Supported by research evidence, such as Grazioli and Terry's study on post-natal depression
- Has practical applications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Doesn't fully explain all aspects of depression, such as anger
Example: In CBT, therapists can identify and challenge components of the negative triad to help patients overcome depressive thoughts.
Quote: Clark and Beck (1999) concluded that there was "solid support for all the cognitive vulnerability factors."
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Cognitive Model of Depression and Ellis' ABC Model
Beck's cognitive theory of depression and Ellis's ABC model provide key insights into the cognitive approach to explaining depression. These theories highlight how negative thought patterns and irrational beliefs contribute to depressive symptoms.
Overall Summary:
Beck's cognitive theory and Ellis's... Show more
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Beck's Cognitive Theory of Depression
Beck's cognitive theory, proposed in 1967, explains why some individuals are more susceptible to depression. It emphasizes three key components:
-
Faulty information processing: Depressed individuals tend to focus on negative aspects and ignore positives, often magnifying small problems.
-
Negative self-schemas: People with depression interpret information about themselves negatively, based on schemas developed through experience.
-
The negative triad: This consists of three types of automatic negative thinking:
- Negative view of the world
- Negative view of the future
- Negative view of the self
Definition: A schema is a set of ideas and information developed through experience. A self-schema specifically refers to the information we have about ourselves.
Highlight: Beck's cognitive triad 1976 forms the core of his theory, explaining how negative thoughts about self, world, and future contribute to depression.
Evaluation of Beck's theory:
- Supported by research evidence, such as Grazioli and Terry's study on post-natal depression
- Has practical applications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Doesn't fully explain all aspects of depression, such as anger
Example: In CBT, therapists can identify and challenge components of the negative triad to help patients overcome depressive thoughts.
Quote: Clark and Beck (1999) concluded that there was "solid support for all the cognitive vulnerability factors."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user