Cognitive Theory PDF

Cognitive Theory  BASIC ASSUMPTION What we think affects the way we feel and behave  DEVELOPMENT OF IRRATIONAL BELIEFS A = activating event B = belief formation C = Consequence Loading… D = Dispute of irrational belief E = Effectiveness of new belief F = Feeling after...

Cognitive Theory  BASIC ASSUMPTION What we think affects the way we feel and behave  DEVELOPMENT OF IRRATIONAL BELIEFS A = activating event B = belief formation C = Consequence Loading… D = Dispute of irrational belief E = Effectiveness of new belief F = Feeling after new belief What is the difference? Irrational beliefs = personal (If I fail the test, I am stupid) Superstitious Beliefs = Cultural (If I see a black cat, I’ll meet an accident) Stereotype = Cultural (Black people are criminals) IRRATIONAL BELIEFS Loading… Albert Ellis  Irrational Beliefs It is an absolute necessity to have love and approval from others almost all the time. “I have to please everyone. I can’t say ‘no’!” I am Superman! (PLEASERS)  Irrational Beliefs You must be unfailingly competent and perfect in all you undertake. “I am flawless! I am accurate! I am not allowed to commit mistakes!” (PERFECTIONISTS)  Irrational Beliefs People who harm you or commit misdeeds are evil, wicked, and villainous individuals, and you should severely blame, damn, and punish them. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (AVENGERS)  Irrational Beliefs It is horrible, terrible, or catastrophic when things do not go the way you want them to go. “There’s no other way but my way.” (FEELERS)  Irrational Beliefs External events cause most human misery, and you have little ability to control your feelings or to rid yourself of depression, hostility, and similar feelings. “Shit happens! And you couldn’t do anything about it.” (BLAMERS)  Irrational Beliefs You will find it easier to avoid facing many of life’s difficulties and self- responsibilities than to undertake some rewarding Loading… form of self-discipline. “Running and hiding are the easiest solutions to problem.” (ESCAPE ARTISTS)  Irrational Beliefs If something seems dangerous or fearsome, you must become preoccupied with and upset about it. “If it is scary, then you must feel scared.” (GULLIBLES)  Irrational Beliefs Your past remains all- important, and just because something once strongly influenced your life, it has to keep determining your feelings and behavior today. “What is good yesterday is also good today. What is good for me is good for you” (SENTIMENTALS)  Irrational Beliefs People and things should turn out better than they do, and you have to view it as awful and horrible if you do not quickly find good solutions to life’s problems. “All of my problems must be solved now, or else it will get worse” (INTOLERANTS)  Irrational Beliefs You can achieve happiness by inertia and inacting or by passively and uncommitedly “enjoying yourself”. “Leave your happiness to destiny.” (PASSIVES)  Irrational Beliefs You must have a high degree of order or certainty to feel comfortable. “I should live in a box!” (ORGANIZERS)  Irrational Beliefs You can give yourself a global rating as a human, and your general worth and self- acceptance depend upon the goodness of your performance and the degree that people approve of you. “Life is graded and everyone should know that I am a dean’s lister” (GRADE CONSCIOUS) IRRATIONAL THINKING Aaron Beck  Irrational Thinking Dichotoumous Thinking – Black & White/All or none thinking  Irrational Thinking Overgeneralization – One sample is representative of the population  Irrational Thinking Magnification – The problem is 10 times bigger than it really is  Irrational Thinking Arbitrary Inference – One evidence is enough to prove a person guilty  Irrational Thinking Selective Abstraction – If it happens to you it is nothing. If it happens to me, that is a big thing.  Irrational Thinking Excessive Responsibility – I am responsible for all the bad things that is happening  Irrational Thinking Self-references – I am at the center of everyone’s attention  Activity: Create a list of your own irrational beliefs. Make sure these are not superstitious beliefs nor stereotypes. These should be personal beliefs. List at least 5.