Outline and Evaluate the Cognitive Model. (12 Marks)

501 Words3 Pages
The cognitive approach to psychopathology assumes that thinking, expectations and cognition direct behaviour. Therefore abnormality behaviour is caused by faulty thinking and irrational cognitive processes. The cognitive model of abnormality is most often applied to patients with anxiety or depression. Ellis (1962) A-B-C model outlines the cognitive model. A refers to an activating event, e.g. seeing a large dog. B is the belief, which may be rational, e.g. the dog is not going to hurt me; or irrational e.g. the dog is going to hurt me. C is the consequences. Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions whereas irrational belief leads to unhealthy emotions e.g. fear. The cognitive model portrays the individual as being the cause of their behaviour; therefore they are in control. This is different the other three models, where abnormal behaviour is thought to be determined by factors such as genetic(biological) or unconsciousness (psychodynamic) which are outside of individual’s control. The strength of the cognitive model is that it focuses on people’s experiences and feelings, therefore it‘s able to give the individual treatment by focusing on the cause of their illness and making the patient feel better. Moreover this model gives the person scope and responsibility to increase power and change. This means that it is giving the patient the power to improve their conditions and self defeating their irrational thoughts with the help of cognitive behavioural therapy. Therefore providing treatment and help with patient’s illness. On the other hand, the cognitive model has many limitations. Firstly the model is limited to only certain mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety which involves cognitive processes. Therefore the cognitive model cannot be used for other mental disorders. Secondly the cognitive model suggests that it is the patient who is
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