Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Flashcards

A cognitive-behavioral approach developed by Albert Ellis that focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs to reduce emotional distress.

Rigid, illogical, or unrealistic thoughts that cause emotional distress; typically include ‘musts,’ ‘shoulds,’ and ‘oughts.’

Flexible, logical, and reality-based thoughts that promote healthy emotional outcomes.

A model describing how Activating events (A) lead to Beliefs (B) that cause emotional and behavioral Consequences (C).

Extended REBT model used for intervention:

Activating event
Belief
Consequence
Disputing the irrational belief
Effective new belief and emotions

The situation, event, or experience that triggers a person’s belief system. Can be external (job loss, rejection) or internal (thought, memory, physical sensation). REBT emphasizes that the event itself does not cause emotional disturbance - the beliefs about it do.

The evaluations, interpretations, and philosophies people hold about activating events. Can be rational (flexible, logical, helpful) or irrational (rigid, illogical, self-defeating). REBT focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs.

The emotional and behavioral results that follow from beliefs about activating events. Includes feelings (anxiety, depression, anger) and actions (avoidance, aggression, withdrawal). Healthy vs. unhealthy consequences depend on whether beliefs are rational or irrational.

The process of challenging and replacing irrational beliefs with more rational ones in REBT.

The outcome of disputation—adopting new, rational ways of thinking and responding.

Ellis’s term for the tendency to think in rigid ‘must,’ ‘should,’ or ‘have to’ statements that create distress.

Exaggerating how bad an event is, turning inconvenience into catastrophe.

Belief that one cannot bear discomfort or frustration; central to many irrational beliefs.

Accepting oneself unconditionally, regardless of success, approval, or behavior.

Accepting others as imperfect humans rather than condemning them for mistakes.