Outline and evaluate the cognitive model of abnormality

The cognitive approach states that the root of abnormality is faulty thought processes.

According to Beck, these take the form of negative thoughts about oneself, negative expectations of the future and a distorted or unrealistic perception of the world. Mental illness is therefore the result of irrational negative thinking. The focus is not the problem itself but the way a person thinks about it.

Unlike the other models, the cognitive model portrays the individuals as being the cause of their own behaviour because the individual controls their thought.

STRENGTHS- The model has led to the development of successful therapies for treating disorders. These therapies concentrate on challenging and changing the faulty thought patterns of their patients.

WEAKNESSES- It blames abnormality on the patient and assumes they are responsible

The model often overlooks situational factors, for example it may not consider how life events or family problems have contributed to the mental disorder.