1.17 Understand the basics of cognitive-behaviourial models:

Summary of Key Points

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

1. Core Premise:

   • Behavior is maintained by its consequences.

   • Reinforcers accelerate behavior; punishers decelerate it.

2. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy:

   • Focus: Identifying and modifying automatic thoughts and cognitive schemas.

   • Depression is linked to distorted views of self, experiences, and the future.

   • Changing thought patterns can lead to biochemical brain changes.

3. Donald Meichenbaum’s Contributions:

   • Focus: Self-defeating thoughts replaced with coping mechanisms.

   • Techniques:

     • Self-Talk: Examining and changing illogical thoughts.

     • Stress Inoculation: Practicing positive self-statements.

     • Keeping a Daily Journal to track and counter irrational beliefs.

4. Albert Ellis’ Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT):

   • Humans are disturbed by their interpretations, not circumstances.

   • Emphasizes changing evaluations and philosophies using a direct and confrontational approach.

Existential Psychology

• Key Ideas:

  • Psychological dysfunction doesn’t exist; mental states reflect life choices.

  • Focus on present decisions and accepting personal freedom.

• Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy:

  • Central principle: Life has meaning under all conditions.

  • Focuses on finding meaning, especially in suffering.

Self-Actualization - Abraham Maslow

1. Hierarchy of Needs:

   • Basic/Physiological Needs: Food, water, sex.

   • Safety Needs: Security, order, stability.

   • Love and Belonging: Relationships and connection.

   • Esteem: Competence and recognition.

   • Cognitive: Intellectual growth.

   • Aesthetic: Harmony and beauty.

   • Self-Actualization: Achieving full potential and inner harmony.

Trait Theory - Gordon Allport

1. Types of Traits:

   • Cardinal Traits: Rare, dominant traits that define a person’s life.

   • Central Traits: Common traits shaping personality.

   • Secondary Traits: Unique, situation-specific characteristics.

Tips to Understand and Memorize

1. Visual Aids:

   • Use a pyramid diagram for Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

   • Create flowcharts to connect automatic thoughts, behaviors, and consequences in CBT.

2. Mnemonics:

   • REBT: Rational Evaluations Build Thinking to remember Ellis’s focus on beliefs and thinking.

   • Maslow: Basic Safety Belongs Esteem Cognitive Artistic Self (first letters of pyramid levels).

3. Relatable Examples:

   • Relate therapy principles to personal situations or famous case studies.

4. Repetition:

   • Use flashcards to test definitions and principles.

   • Practice explaining concepts aloud to solidify understanding.

Quiz

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the focus of Aaron Beck’s cognitive therapy?
   a) Past experiences
   b) Automatic thoughts and schemas
   c) Unconscious drives
   d) Free will

2. Which level in Maslow’s hierarchy represents the need for beauty and harmony?
   a) Esteem
   b) Cognitive
   c) Aesthetic
   d) Self-Actualization

3. What is the main focus of Logotherapy?
   a) Resolving childhood trauma
   b) Exploring free will
   c) Finding meaning in life
   d) Challenging irrational beliefs

4. In REBT, emotional disturbances are caused by:
   a) External circumstances
   b) Evaluative beliefs and philosophies
   c) Biochemical imbalances
   d) Childhood conflicts

5. Which trait in Allport’s theory is rare and dominates a person’s life?
   a) Cardinal
   b) Central
   c) Secondary
   d) Tertiary

Answer Key

1. b) Automatic thoughts and schemas

2. c) Aesthetic

3. c) Finding meaning in life

4. b) Evaluative beliefs and philosophies

5. a) Cardinal

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