Beck’s triad of depression
Beck’s triad of depression, or the negative cognitive triad, refers to a pattern of dysfunctional thinking characterized by negative views of oneself, the world, and the future, which is a core component of depression according to Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory. This triad is characterized by automatic, negative thoughts such as “I am worthless,” “the world is a negative place,” and “the future is hopeless,” creating a vicious cycle that reinforces depressive symptoms.
Components of the Cognitive Triad
- Negative View of the Self:Individuals with depression often hold a core belief that they are inadequate, worthless, unlovable, or incompetent.
- Negative View of the World:This component involves the perception that the world is unfair, hostile, or a generally bad place that limits one’s potential and opportunities.
- Negative View of the Future:People experiencing depression often view the future as bleak, hopeless, and unchanging, believing their current difficulties are permanent and will only worsen.
How It Works
- Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs):These are spontaneous, often uncontrollable negative thoughts about the self, the world, and the future.
- Vicious Cycle:The negative triad creates a continuous loop: negative thoughts lead to negative emotions and behaviors, which in turn reinforce the negative thinking patterns, deepening the depression.
- Cognitive Schemas:These are deep-seated, core beliefs that influence how individuals interpret and process information. When activated by stress, they give rise to the negative thought patterns of the triad.
In essence, Beck’s cognitive triad highlights how the way people think about themselves, their experiences, and their future can contribute to the development and maintenance of depressive states, a concept central to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Beck’s Triad of Depression (Psychiatry)
- Negative view of the self (“I’m worthless”)
- Negative view of the world (“Everyone is against me”)
- Negative view of the future (“Things will never get better”)
👉 This is the cognitive triad of depression, described by Aaron T. Beck (the father of cognitive therapy).
Beck’s Cognitive Triad of Depression – MCQ Quiz
Q1. Beck’s cognitive triad of depression includes all EXCEPT:
The triad includes self, world, and future—not the past.
Q2. Who proposed the cognitive triad of depression?
Aaron T. Beck described the cognitive model of depression.
Q3. The negative view of the future in Beck’s triad corresponds to:
Negative future thinking corresponds to hopelessness.
Q4. Beck’s triad is central to which therapy?
The cognitive triad is the basis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Q5. Which best represents the “negative view of the self”?
Negative self-view is expressed as low self-worth (“I’m useless”).
Q6. The “negative view of the world” in Beck’s triad is best reflected by:
Negative world view is seen as “The world is hostile/unfair.”
Q7. Beck’s cognitive model focuses primarily on:
Beck’s model emphasizes maladaptive thinking patterns.
Q8. Which of the following is NOT a focus of Beck’s cognitive therapy?
Exploring unconscious desires belongs to psychoanalysis, not CBT.
Q9. Which statement about Beck’s cognitive triad is TRUE?
The triad targets self, world, and future.
Q10. Negative automatic thoughts in Beck’s model lead to:
Negative thinking patterns produce and maintain depressive symptoms.
