Cognitive models of depression began emerging in the 1950s with the work of Beck. Cognitive etiologies focus on cognitive factors (thoughts and beliefs) in explaining depression. Empirical studies have shown that people with depression have negative thoughts and display learned helplessness/hopelessness.
Supporting arguments · 2
- A cluster of negative thoughts and beliefs cause depressionBeck argues that people with depression have a triad of negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future. These negative thoughts give life events distorted meanings, which cause emotional disturbances. Negative schemas and cognitive errors also lead to depression.
- Learned helplessness explains the etiology of depressionAccording to the theory of learned helplessness, depression occurs when a person learns that their attempts to escape negative situations make no difference. As a consequence, they become passive and will endure aversive environments, even when escape is possible.