Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Overview

A core concept in REBT emphasizing that individuals create their own emotional states based on their interpretations of events. It posits that an activating event (A) triggers a belief (B), leading to emotional and behavioral consequences (C).

Rigid, dogmatic, and unhealthy beliefs that lead to distress and maladaptive behavior. These beliefs are often characterized by demands, musts, and shoulds.

Flexible, healthy, and adaptive beliefs that promote well-being and lead to productive behavior. These beliefs are based on preferences and acceptance of reality.

A therapeutic approach developed by Albert Ellis that challenges irrational beliefs and promotes rational thinking to improve emotional and behavioral outcomes.

A psychological concept that refers to rigid, absolute demands that individuals place on themselves, others, or the world. These demands often lead to unnecessary distress and frustration.

A core principle of REBT, suggesting that unnecessary distress arises from our interpretations of events rather than the events themselves. We tend to assign meaning to events, which then influences our emotional reactions.

In REBT, this refers to the tendency to magnify negative events and see them as catastrophic, leading to increased anxiety and distress. E.g., 'It will be awful if I fail this exam.'

The idea that the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is cyclical. A negative thought can lead to sadness, which in turn can influence our actions and further reinforce our negative self-talk.

A core goal of REBT, aiming to promote emotional resilience and reduce emotional disturbances by challenging irrational beliefs and fostering a rational thought process.

REBT utilizes behavioral strategies, such as role-playing and exposure tasks, to reinforce rational thinking and promote emotional regulation. These methods are designed to help individuals challenge and modify their irrational beliefs.

Feeling distress about experiencing distress itself. For example, "I shouldn't be anxious, and it's awful that I am."

This occurs when an individual ties their self-worth to their achievements, abilities, or the approval of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.

The core irrational belief that discomfort or frustration is unbearable. This leads to avoiding or minimizing challenging situations and emotions.

The tendency to prioritize immediate pleasure or avoiding discomfort over long-term well-being.

The excessive focus on past negative experiences, leading to a sense of hopelessness. It prevents people from addressing the present and moving forward.

The tendency to avoid critically examining and challenging one's thoughts. Rigid, absolutist thinking limits flexibility and adaptive problem-solving.

Immediate rewards for avoiding challenging situations. For example, relief from anxiety after skipping a presentation.

Avoidance behaviors remove discomfort, reinforcing their use in the future. For example, avoiding confrontation to relieve anxiety.

The goal of therapy is to change irrational beliefs that maintain dysfunctional behaviors and emotions.