The cognitive approach views depression as stemming from irrational thinking patterns and negative schemas that lead to distorted perceptions. It focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and thoughts according to models like Ellis' ABC model and Beck's negative triad. While studies support a link between irrational thinking and depression, the cognitive approach has been criticized for overlooking situational factors and potentially oversimplifying complex causes of depression.

1. QUESTION:
Describe and evaluate the cognitive approach to explaining depression (12 marks)
PLAN:
AO1
 Cognitive approach = thinking impacts
behaviour
 Focus on irrational thinking
 Ellis ABC Model – explain and example
 Irrational thinking lies in musturbatory
thinking – challenge ‘musts’ = mental
healthiness
 Becks negative triad
Interact, interfere with cognitive thinking –
lead to negative thoughts
 Negative schemas – prone to logical
thinking errors
AO2
 Support – Bates et al.(negative automatic-
thought statements) : negative thinking
leads to depression
 Support - Hamman and Krantz (more
errors in logic) : depression is linked to
irrational thinking
 Client is responsible – no situational
factors
 Irrational beliefs can be rational – ‘sadder
but wiser’ effect
 There is a link – not a cause