Cognitive Theory
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With ideas opposite psychodynamic approaches, Beck concluded the key to therapy was in a patients cognition, which is the way we perceive, interpret, and attribute meaning. Becks preliminary focus was on depression and developed a list of “errors” in thinking that he suggested could cause or maintain depression, including “arbitrary inference, selective abstraction, over-generalization, and magnification (of negatives) and minimization (of positives).” He later expanded his focus on anxiety disorders and introduced “schema”, a patients vulnerabilities or beliefs.
Cognitive therapists aim to discover a patients core beliefs–the rules they set for themselves. “I should be perfect”, “I should be liked by everyone”, “My worth depends on others approval”, “I need to be certain”, are just several examples of these set rules. Cognitive therapy also focuses on pinpointing and changing “distorted” or “unrealistic” ways of thinking, consequently effecting emotion and behavior. It is these biased or illogical thoughts that are associated with a negative affect. “`She thinks Im an idiot” (Mind-reading), “Ill fail the test” (Fortune-telling), “Im a loser” (Labeling), “My successes are trivial” (Discounting positives), “I fail at everything” (All-or-nothing thinking), “If I fail at this, Ill fail at other things too” (Over-generalizing), and “The divorce was all my fault” (Personalizing).”
In order to help the patient, the therapist will monitor thoughts, categorize the negative thoughts, implement vertical descent (uncovering patients schema or assumptions), use the double standard technique (looking at the costs and benefits of a belief), role playing with the therapist (acting against the maladaptive thought), and improving coping statements and new adaptive beliefs.
Cognitive therapy has significantly affected ones who suffer from depression. Studies have shown cognitive therapy is as effective as medication and “may have long-term preventative advantages.” People suffering from mood disorders, anger management issues, panic disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, just to name a few, benefit from cognitive therapy.