Irrational thinking in humans: An evolutionary proposal for Ellis' genetic postulate

Abstract

An evolutionary proposal is outlined for Ellis' genetic postulate for irrational thinking in the human species. Evolutionary bases are explored for demanding and grandiose thought constructs (cognitive products) which are either learned and/or created during one's lifetime due to a genetic potential to think irrationally (cognitive processes). Demandingness and grandiosity are emphasized because they serve as primary cognitive tendencies in rational-emotive therapy (RET) which appear to drive most other irrational belief systems. The main postulate is that a genetic potential to think irrationally has evolved and is genetically coded in humans because it facilitated adaptive behavioral and emotional responses as a means of securing critical advantages in early childhood development, increased reproductive success, and basic survival. Sociobiological and Darwinian principles are applied to support this hypothesis.Throughout the past three decades of rational-emotive therapy (RET), Ellis has asserted that 1) most humans have a strong tendency to think irrationally and to behave in self-defeating ways, and 2) this tendency derives in part from a genetic potential which transcends environmental and cultural differences (Ellis, 1962(Ellis, , 1976(Ellis, , 1980(Ellis, , 1987. Often referred to as a biological basis or innate tendency, Ellis asserts that a genetic potential for irrational thinking exists in humans which serves as a major cause for behavioral and emotional disturbance and general life unhappiness. Basically stated, the postulate assumes that Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy humans have a natural (i.e., genetic) tendency to think rationally and irrationally, and that irrational cognitions are quite easily learned and/or created throughout one's entire life span. Thus, in order to lead a psychologically healthy and happy life, Ellis (1973, 1988) professes that most humans must exert vigorous and persistent effort in identifying, counterattacking, and modifying irrational beliefs and illogical thought constructs. However, in the RET literature, although there are numerous descriptions and accounts of what irrational tendencies are and how they manifest and operate, explanations as to why such tendencies may be genetically programed into the human species in the first place are virtually nonexistent. In agreement with Dryden (1990), Ellis' genetic postulate is a fundamental aspect of RET which has received sparse theoretical attention.The main purpose of the present paper is to explore the possibility that an evolutionary basis may exist for Ellis' genetic postulate for irrational thinking in humans. Specifically, this paper will explore the possibility that a genetic potential to think irrationally (as well as rationally) may have differing degrees of evolutionary rootedness and may thus be genetically based in the human species. Hypothesized evolutionary values (e.g., adaptive, reproductive, and survival advantages) are explored for certain types of irrational thinking...

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Irrational and Rational Beliefs, and the Mental Health of Athletes

“…Like many psychological constructs, there is a debate as to whether irrational beliefs are driven by nature (we are born irrational) or by nurture (we learn irrationality). Ellis (1976) intimated, and Ruth (1992) propagated, that there is a biological basis or innate tendency for rational and irrational beliefs, such that it is in our nature to develop both rational and irrational beliefs. Ellis wrote, “humans have a strong tendency to needlessly and severely disturb themselves, and that, to make matters much worse, they also are powerfully predisposed to unconsciously and habitually prolong their mental dysfunctioning and to fight like hell against giving it up” ( Ellis, 1987 , p. 365).…”

Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy With Athletes

“…It is important to indicate to performance directors, coaches, and sport science staff that REBT is not exclusively for use with clinical populations (Gonzales, Nelson, Gutkin, Saunders, Galloway, & Shwery, 2004) and as all humans have the propensity to adopt irrational beliefs (Ruth, 1992), theoretically all athletes could benefit from REBT. Similarly, we have found that the use of the word irrational carries some negative connotations when introducing the concept to applied sport settings.…”

“…Another important note is that the authors have a philosophy of practice that encompasses a humanistic approach, where athletes' psychological well-being is of primary importance, and not necessarily sport performance. Put simply, although we use REBT to help athletes deal with performance issues, the goal is to help athletes exercise better emotional control, and this philosophy is communicated to sports organizations we work with.It is important to indicate to performance directors, coaches, and sport science staff that REBT is not exclusively for use with clinical populations (Gonzales, Nelson, Gutkin, Saunders, Galloway, & Shwery, 2004) and as all humans have the propensity to adopt irrational beliefs (Ruth, 1992), theoretically all athletes could benefit from REBT. Similarly, we have found that the use of the word irrational carries some negative connotations when introducing the concept to applied sport settings.…”

The effects of rational and irrational coach team talks on the cognitive appraisal and achievement goal orientation of varsity football athletes

“…8 In particular, General Semantics Theory 9 suggests that people are influenced by language used in communication with others and oneself. REBT literature suggests that the formation and expression of irrational beliefs is a product of both genetics and socialisation 10 where a predisposition to hold irrational beliefs is exacerbated by those around us whom we look to for guidance. 11 Communicating imprecise language (the verbal expression of rigid, extreme, and illogical beliefs) can therefore augment imprecise thinking.…”