Advances in Cognitive Theory and Therapy: The Generic Cognitive Model

Abstract

For over 50 years, Beck's cognitive model has provided an evidence-based way to conceptualize and treat psychological disorders. The generic cognitive model represents a set of common principles that can be applied across the spectrum of psychological disorders. The updated theoretical model provides a framework for addressing significant questions regarding the phenomenology of disorders not explained in previous iterations of the original model. New additions to the theory include continuity of adaptive and maladaptive function, dual information processing, energizing of schemas, and attentional focus. The model includes a theory of modes, an organization of schemas relevant to expectancies, self-evaluations, rules, and memories. A description of the new theoretical model is followed by a presentation of the corresponding applied model, which provides a template for conceptualizing a specific disorder and formulating a case. The focus on beliefs differentiates disorders and provides a target for treatment. A variety of interventions are described.

Repetitive negative thinking as a predictor of depression and anxiety: A longitudinal cohort study

“…Several symptoms tapped by measures for symptom severity may not only index symptom severity, but also play a causal role in the onset and maintenance of disorders (Borsboom and Cramer, 2013). For example, from a cognitive perspective an IDS item such as "View of myself: I think almost constantly about major and minor defects in myself" would be conceptualized as a form of dysfunctional thinking implicated in the onset and maintenance of depression and not only as a depression symptom (Beck and Haigh, 2014). Further studies into the dynamic interplay of RNT with other putative causal risk factors targeted by symptom severity measurements (such as dysfunctional thinking or behavioral avoidance) seem warranted, preferably using multi-modal assessments to prevent common method biases as in our present study both RNT and symptom severity were measured by self-report.…”

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“…La reevaluación cognitiva consiste en la posibilidad de pensar acerca de una situación de modo diferente con el objetivo de modificar su impacto emocional. Habitualmente, está considerada como la estrategia más adaptativa cuando se aplica eficazmente y constituye la piedra nodal de la teoría cognitiva para explicar la aparición de muchos trastornos psicológicos, particularmente la depresión y la ansiedad (Beck y Haigh, 2014). En la mayoría de estudios, se identifica la reevaluación cognitiva como una estrategia adaptativa (véase, por ejemplo, Aldao, Nolan-Hoeksema y Schweizer, 2010).…”

Hjärnan formas av psykologisk behandling

“…Cognitive theories suggest that an individual's tendency to preferentially process negatively valenced information may have a crucial role in the onset and maintenance of an anxiety disorder (Beck & Clark, 1997;Beck & Haigh, 2014;Clark & Wells, 1995;Hirsch & Clark, 2004;Rapee & Heimberg, 1997).…”

“…Cognitive-behavioural interventions are based on distinctive theoretical frameworks, such as respondent and operant conditioning (Skinner, 1938;Watson & Rayner, 2000), or information-processing cognitive theories (Beck & Clark, 1997;Beck & Haigh, 2014). CBT is a therapeutic approach consisting of numerous models using a broad set of techniques targeting different psychiatric (Cuijpers, Cristea, Karyotaki, Reijnders, & Huibers, 2016) and somatic (Ljótsson et al, 2013) disorders.…”