Cognitive-Behavioral Theory Overview

Study Notes

Beck's theory posits that behavior is influenced by thought processes.
Personality develops based on how individuals process information about the world and themselves.
Thoughts impact feelings, which in turn affects behavior.

Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud
Neo-psychoanalytic: Karen Horney (Neurotic Trends), Alfred Adler (Individual Psychology)
Behavioral: B.F. Skinner (Reinforcement Theory)
Cognitive: Aaron Beck (Cognitive Theory)
Humanistic: Carl Rogers (Self-Actualization), Martin Seligman (Positive Psychology)
Genetics (Trait): McCrae & Costa (Five-Factor Theory), Marvin Zuckerman (Sensation Seeking)
Social-Learning: Julian Rotter (Locus of Control), Martin Seligman (Learned Helplessness)

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1921.
His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.
Beck's mother experienced significant depression after the death of their daughter.
His personal struggles with anxiety prompted him to develop cognitive models.
His father encouraged his interest in science and nature.
His study of psychoanalytic theory prompted the development of the concept that sadness is a response to thoughts about loss.
Patients with depression and anxiety were discovered to have maladaptive thought patterns.

Schemas: Fundamental core beliefs and assumptions about the world, developed early in life from experiences.
They form concepts of self, others, and the world. Schemas can be adaptive or maladaptive.
Example: "Unless others approve of me, I am worthless".
Automatic Thoughts: Involuntary, unintentional thoughts that emerge pre-consciously. These can be self-critical or supportive. Example: "If I fail this test, I'm stupid".
Controlled Thoughts: Intentional, voluntary thoughts that can be regulated. Example: "I did not study enough for the test".
Cognitive Distortions: Systematic errors in thinking. These can appear during stress and unrealistic schemas. Common examples include: Arbitrary Inference, Selective Abstraction, Overgeneralization, Magnification & Minimization, Personalization, Dichotomous Thinking.

Sociotropic: Dependency on interpersonal relationships, and a need for closeness and nurturance.
Autonomous: Independence, goal setting, self-determination, and self-imposed obligations.
Most individuals display both sociotropic and autonomous tendencies.

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) has high empirical support for the cognitive theory of depression.
Cognitive therapy is effective for various mental health challenges including panic disorders, OCD, substance abuse, personality disorders, marital issues, sex offenses, schizophrenia, and suicide prevention.