(P. 39-41) DESCRIBE THE COGNITIVE APPROACH TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY. WH...
130.
(p. 39-41)
Describe the cognitive approach to psychopathology. What are the three main
goals in cognitive therapy? What are the limitations of cognitive theories?
Students' answers may vary. Key terms and concepts that may be included in student
responses:
▪ Cognitions shape—thoughts or beliefs that shape our behaviors and the emotions we
experience
▪ Causal attributions—the reasons we attribute to why events happen that can impact our
behaviors
▪ Global assumptions—the positive or negative broad beliefs we have about ourselves, our
relationships, and the world
▪ Dysfunctional global assumptions—the reason behind maladaptive behaviors as proposed by
Beck and Ellis
▪ Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—combination of behavioral
▪ Goals—help clients identify irrational thoughts, consider alternative ways of thinking, face
fears, learn to cope
▪ Limitation—difficulty proving that maladaptive cognitions precede and cause disorders,
rather than being the symptoms or consequences of the disorders
Bloom's: Understand