Outline and evaluate the cognitive model of abnormality

The cognitive approach states that the root of abnormality is faulty thought processes.
According to Beck, these take the form of negative thoughts about oneself, negative expectations of the future and a distorted or unrealistic perception of the world. Mental illness is therefore the result of irrational negative thinking. The focus is not the problem itself but the way a person thinks about it.
Unlike the other models, the cognitive model portrays the individuals as being the cause of their own behaviour because the individual controls their thought.
STRENGTHS- The model has led to the development of successful therapies for treating disorders. These therapies concentrate on challenging and changing the faulty thought patterns of their patients.
WEAKNESSES- It blames abnormality on the patient and assumes they are responsible
The model often overlooks situational factors, for example it may not consider how life events or family problems have contributed to the mental disorder.

Answered by Dorothea C. Psychology tutor

8539 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline and evaluate research into the effects of leading questions on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony


Describe and evaluate the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia


What is the difference between reliability and validity?


Discuss the contribution of behavioural psychologists such as Pavlov and Skinner to our understanding of human behaviour


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences