Psychology 9-1 GCSE - 

3.1.5 - the use of cognitive theory as an explanation of depression, including strengths and weaknesses of the explanation:

Cognitive theories come into place where behaviorists fail to take into account thoughts and feelings. It is suggested depression results from maladaptive faulty or irrational cognition taking the form of distorted thoughts. These can be learnt socially or through lack of experiences that would facilitate the development of adaptive coping skills. Depressed people tend to view themselves, their environment and the future in negative ways. There are 3 main dysfunctional belief themes (or schemas) that dominate depressed peoples thinking. 1) I am defective or inadequate. 2) All of my experiences result id defects or failures. 3) The future is hopeless. Together these themes are described as the 'negative cognitive trio'. These beliefs also shape what someone pays attention to. People with depression have whats called 'selective attention', they will focus on the negative part of a situation as that's what fits their distorted thinking pattern. Their thoughts tend to take the form of absolute statements, three main irrational beliefs are. 1) I must be completely competent in everything i do or i am worthless. 2) Others must treat me considerately or they are terrible. 3) The world should always give me happiness or i will die. 

Strengths - 

• Takes into account complex schemas.
• Works with behavior change.

Weaknesses - 

• Does not take into account the effects of genes.
• Can not be generalized to all depressed people.
• Does not clearly illustrate how cognitive distortions occur.