The cognitive approach to explaining depression: Ellis's ABC model
Ellis's ABC model says that irrational beliefs — not bad events themselves — cause depression. A negative event triggers a belief, and that belief produces the emotional consequence.
Real World
Two employees are made redundant on the same day. One thinks "The company was downsizing — I'll find something new" (rational belief) and feels disappointed but motivated. The other thinks "I must be useless — no one will ever hire me" (irrational belief) and becomes depressed. Same activating event, different consequences.
Exam Focus
Emphasise that B (the belief) causes C (the consequence), not A — examiners specifically reward this distinction.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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