GCSE Psychology 9-1

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 's...