Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

REBT and Depressive Disorders

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
REBT with Diverse Client Problems and Populations

Abstract

Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT ) emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs as causes of emotional disturbance (i.e., dysfunctional emotions, like depression ). REBT relies on the ABC model (Ellis, 1994), where the activating event (A) is further interpreted in a rational or irrational manner (B), thus leading to functional or dysfunctional emotions and behaviors, respectively (C). In the case of depression , a negative activating event (usually related to loss) is irrationally appraised by demandingness and self-downing beliefs, and thus, as a result, the dysfunctional emotion and its associated behavioral consequences (e.g., inactivity) occur.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, B. (1990). The self-control game. Dayton, OH: Cognitive Counseling Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Browne, C. M., Dowd, E. T., & Freeman, A. (2010). Rational and irrational beliefs in psychopathology. In D. David, S. J. Lynn, & A. Ellis (Eds.), Rational and irrational beliefs in human functioning and disturbances (pp. 149–171). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • David, D. (2010). Retmagia şi minunatele aventuri ale lui Retman. Poveşti raţionale pentru copii şi adolescenţi [Retmagic and the wonderful adventures of Retman. Stories for children and adolescents]. Cluj-Napoca: RTS Cluj.

    Google Scholar 

  • David, D., Cotet, C., Matu, S., Mogoase, C., & Stefan, S. (2017). 50 years of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22514.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • David, D., Kangas, M., Schnur, J. B., & Montgomery, G. H. (2004). REBT depression manual; Managing depression using rational emotive behavior therapy. Romania: Babes-Bolyai University (BBU).

    Google Scholar 

  • David, D., Schnur, J., & Belloiu, A. (2002). Another search for the “hot” cognitions: appraisal, irrational beliefs, attributions, and their relation to emotion. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 20, 93–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • David, D., Szentagotai, A., Lupu, V., & Cosman, D. (2008). Rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial, posttreatment outcomes, and six-month follow-up. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 728–746. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20487.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davison, G. C., Robins, C., & Johnson, M. K. (1983). Articulated thoughts during simulated situations: A paradigm for studying cognition in emotion and behavior. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 7, 17–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DiGiuseppe, R. A., DiGiuseppe, R., Doyle, K. A., Dryden, W., & Backx, W. (2014). A practitioner’s guide to rational-emotive behavior therapy. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiGiuseppe, R., Leaf, R., Exner, T., & Robin, M.W. (1988). The development of a measure of rational/irrational thinking. Paper presented at the World Congress of Behavior Therapy, Edinburgh, Scotland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dryden, W. (2006). First steps in REBT. A guide to practicing REBT in peer counseling. New York: Albert Ellis Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dryden, W., & Branch, R. (2008). Fundamentals of rational emotive behaviour therapy: A training handbook. New-York: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A., & Grieger, R. (1977). Handbook of rational-emotive therapy. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Stuart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1980). Rational-emotive therapy and cognitive behavior therapy: Similarities and differences. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 4(4), 325–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1987). A sadly neglected cognitive element in depression. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 11(1), 121–145. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01183137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy (re ed.). Secaucus, NJ: Birch Lane.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1997). Must musturbation and demandingness lead to emotional disorders? Psychotherapy: Theory Research, Practice, Training, 34(1), 95–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (2002). Overcoming resistance: A rational emotive behavior therapy integrated approach. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A., & Abrams, M. (1994). How to cope with a fatal disease. New York: Barricade Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emmelkamp, P. M., Kuipers, A. C., & Eggeraat, J. B. (1978). Cognitive modification versus prolonged exposure in vivo: A comparison with agoraphobics as subjects. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 16(1), 33–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engels, G. I., Garnefski, N., & Diekstra, R. F. (1993). Efficacy of rational-emotive therapy: A quantitative analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 1083–1090.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franks, V. (1982). Psychotherapy and women: Letter No. 79. Belle Mead, NJ: Carrier Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedberg, R. D., Mason, C., & Fidaleo, R. A. (1992). Switching channels: A cognitive-behavioral work journal for adolescents. Sarasota, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gotlib, I. H., & Hamilton, J. P. (2008). Neuroimaging and depression: Current status and unresolved issues. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(2), 159–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grieger, R. M. (1991). Keys to effective RET. In M. E. Bernard (Ed.), Using rational-emotive therapy effectively a practitioner’s guide (pp. 35–67). New York: Springer Science & Business Media.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Iftene, F., Predescu, E., Stefan, S., & David, D. (2015). Rational-emotive and cognitive-behavior therapy (REBT/CBT) versus pharmacotherapy versus REBT/CBT plus pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder in youth; a randomized clinical trial. Psychiatry Research, 225(3), 687–694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.11.021.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lewinsohn, P. M. (1974). A behavioral approach t o depression. In R. M. Friedman & M. M. Katz (Eds.), The psychology of depression: Contemporary theory and research. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyons, L. C., & Woods, P. J. (1991). The efficacy of rational-emotive therapy: A quantitative review of the outcome research. Clinical Psychology Review, 11(4), 357–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-7358(91)90113-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macavei, B. (2005). The role of irrational beliefs in the rational emotive behavioral theory of depression. Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, 5(1), 73–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macavei, B., & McMahon, J. (2010). The assessment of rational and irrational beliefs. Rational and Irrational Beliefs: Research, Theory, and Clinical Practice, 115–147.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • MacLaren, C., Doyle, K. A., & DiGiuseppe, R. (2016). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT): Theory and practice. London: Sage Publications Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malouff, J. M., & Schutte, N. S. (1986). Development and validation of a measure of irrational beliefs. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 860–862.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDermut, J. F., Haaga, D. A. F., & Bilek, L. A. (1997). Cognitive bias and irrational beliefs in major depression and dysphoria. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 21, 459–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, E. (1977). Irrational beliefs in depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 45, 1190–1191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, S. L., Johnson, W. B., & Ellis, A. (2001). Counseling and psychotherapy with religious persons: A rational emotive behavior therapy approach. Mahway, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2001). Gender differences in depression. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10(5), 173–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norton, P. J., & Hope, D. A. (2001). Analogue observational methods in the assessment of social functioning in adults. Psychological Assessment, 13(1), 59–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padesky, C. A. (1993). Socratic questioning: Changing minds or guiding discovery. In A keynote address delivered at the European Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, London (Vol. 24).

    Google Scholar 

  • Phadke, K. M. (1982). Some innovations in RET theory and practice. Rational Living, 17(2), 25–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piccinelli, M., & Wilkinson, G. (2000). Gender differences in depression. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 177(6), 486–492. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.177.6.486.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prud’homme, L., & Barron, P. (1992). The pattern of irrational belief associated with major depressive disorder. Social Behavior and Personality, 20, 199–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riva, G., Molinari, E., & Vincelli, F. (2002). Interaction and presence in the clinical relationship: Virtual reality (VR) as communicative medium between patient and therapist. IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, 6(3), 198–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sava, F. A., Yates, B. T., Lupu, V., Szentagotai, A., & David, D. (2009). Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating depression: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(1), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20550.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (1981). A learned helplessness point of view. In L. P. Rehm (Ed.), Behavior therapy for depression. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon, A. (1998). The Specific demands on self scale. Unpublished manuscript, Stanford University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon, A., Arnow, B. A., Gotlib, I. H., & Wind, B. (2003). Individualized measurement of irrational beliefs in remitted depressives. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59(4), 439–455. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10081.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Solomon, A., Haaga, D. A. F., Brody, C., Kirk, L., & Friedman, D. G. (1998). Priming irrational beliefs in recovered-depressed people. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 107, 440–449.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szentagotai, A., David, D., Lupu, V., & Cosman, D. (2008). Rational emotive behavior therapy versus cognitive therapy versus pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder: Mechanisms of change analysis. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 45(4), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2009). Depression: the treatment and management of depression in adults. Clinical Guidelines, CG90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vîslă, A., Flückiger, C., Grosse Holtforth, M., & David, D. (2016). Irrational beliefs and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 85(1), 8–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waters, V. (1980). Series of stories for children: Cornelia Cardinal learns to cope; Fasha, Dasha and Sasha Squirrel; Flora Farber’s fear of failure; Freddie Flounder; Maxwell’s magnificent monster. New York: Institute for Rational Living.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilde, J. (1996a). The efficacy of short-term rational-emotive education with fourth-grade students. Elementary School Guidance and Counselling, 31(2), 131–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilde, J. (1996b). The relationship between rational thinking and intelligence in children. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, 14(3), 187–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, J. L. (1985). Women. In A. Ellis. & M. Bernard (Eds.), Clinical applications of rational-emotive therapy (pp. 101–127). New York: Plenum Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, J. L., & Naimark, H. (1991). Psychological messages and social context strategies for increasing RET’s effectiveness with women. In M. E. Bernard (Ed.), Using rational-emotive therapy effectively a practitioner’s guide (pp. 265–301). New York: Springer Science & Business Medica.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, J. H., Wright, A. S., Albano, A. M., Basco, M. R., Goldsmith, L. J., Raffield, T., & Otto, M. W. (2005). Computer-assisted cognitive therapy for depression: maintaining efficacy while reducing therapist time. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(6), 1158–1164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Daniel David, Roxana Cardoș, Diana Cândea & Simona Ştefan

  2. International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, No. 37 Republicii Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Daniel David, Roxana Cardoș, Diana Cândea, Horea Oltean & Simona Ştefan

  3. Evidence-Based Assessment and Psychological Interventions Doctoral School, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Horea Oltean

Authors
  1. Daniel David
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Roxana Cardoș
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Diana Cândea
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Horea Oltean
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Simona Ştefan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel David .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of London, London, UK

    Windy Dryden

  2. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Michael E. Bernard

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

David, D., Cardoș, R., Cândea, D., Oltean, H., Ştefan, S. (2019). REBT and Depressive Disorders. In: Dryden, W., Bernard, M. (eds) REBT with Diverse Client Problems and Populations. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02723-0_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation