1. + + As you think, so you feel

2. I can’t bear it. I can’t stand the humiliating fact that I’m the only woman in the world who can’t take care of her family, take her place as a real wife and mother, and be respected in her community. When I speak to my young son I know I can’t let him down but I feel so ill equipped to take care of him; that’s what frightens me. I don’t know what to do or where to turn; the whole thing is too overwhelming. I must be a laughing stock. It’s more than I can do to go out and meet people and have the fact pointed out to me so clearly.”

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Negative Triad (3 negative Schemata) Negative view of the self Negative view of the world Negative view of the future Negative view of the self (I am incompetent and undeserving Negative view of the world it is a hostile place Depression Negative view of the future problems will not disappear, there will always be emotional pain

7. I can’t bear it. I can’t stand the humiliating fact that I’m the only woman in the world who can’t take care of her family, take her place as a real wife and mother, and be respected in her community. When I speak to my young son I know I can’t let him down but I feel so ill equipped to take care of him; that’s what frightens me. I don’t know what to do or where to turn; the whole thing is too overwhelming. I must be a laughing stock. It’s more than I can do to go out and meet people and have the fact pointed out to me so clearly.”

8. Cognitive BiasExplanation Minimisation The bias towards minimising success in life. MaximisationThe bias towards maximising the importance of even trivial failures. Selective AbstractionA bias towards focusing on only the negative aspects of life and ignoring the wider picture All or nothing ThinkingA 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.

9. Activating events (A) have consequences (C) which are affected by beliefs (B). Rational beliefs Irrational beliefs Beliefs are affected by same Cognitive Biases as in Beck’s model.

10. A: Activating Event Mary and her boyfriend split up. B: Beliefs (about A) Rational Thoughts Mary tells herself that although it is a sad situation they were not compatible and she may learn from the experience Irrational Thoughts Mary tells herself that the break up is her fault and that she is not loveable, and so will always fail at relationships C: Consequences (of B) Desirable Emotions Mary feels sad, but is hopeful that she will have successful relationships in the future Undesirable Emotions Mary feels guilty that she spoilt the relationship and that she is unlovable Desirable Behaviour Mary looks forward to forming new healthy relationships and tries to learn from her experience Undesirable Behaviour Mary resolves not to form new relationships as she will only fail and get hurt again.

11. 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

12. (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!)