Describe how the cognitive approach can be used to explain depression.

Beck’s negative triad is a cognitive theory that can be used to explain depression. It suggests that depression results from negative thoughts about the world, the self and the future. For example, someone suffering from depression may think that the world is unrealistically negative (world), that they are worthless (self) and that they will never get anywhere in life (future). These thoughts interact with each other, resulting in a negative schema that leads to depression.

Ellis’s ABC model can also be used to explain depression. It suggests that it is irrational thoughts that lead to depression. These thoughts are the result of the ABC process: A – activating event, such as your friend not returning your call. B – belief, such as you thinking that your friend doesn’t like you anymore. C – consequences, such as deleting your friend’s number and never talking to them again. This example illustrates how irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy outcomes, one of which can be depression.