Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Explanations Of Dysfunctional Behaviour- Cognitive (Beck et al 1974)

The cognitive approach assumes that dysfunctional behaviour is due to fault processing of information and this leads to distorted thinking and behaviour.

Key study: Interviews with patients undergoing therapy for depression.

Aim: To understand cognitive distortions in patients with depression

Method: Clinical interviews.

Participants: 50 patients diagnosed with depression (16 male, 34 female).

Design: Independent measures: patients compared to non depressed patients. Matched for age, sex, class.

Procedure: Interviews and retrospective reports of patients thoughts before session (from diaries) and during session. Records kept of verbalisations.

Findings:  Differences in non depressed patients compared to depressed patients: Low self esteem, paranoia, greater anxiety.

Conclusion: Depressed patients have cognitions that are untrue and illogical.

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