Understanding Abnormal Behavior - Cengage Learning

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The Case of Steven V. xvii
(1) recognize the role thinking and belief systems play in his problems; (2) identify self-statements,
belief systems, or assumptions that are irrational and maladaptive and rationally dispute them; and (3)
learn to replace irrational self-statements with productive ones. Let us use an example to illustrate this
approach.
As you recall, Steve first came to the attention of the university therapist after a breakup with his
woman friend, Linda. Initially, he became severely depressed and withdrew from almost all social
activities. Most of us, including Steve, could easily conclude that the reason he became depressed was
because of the breakup of a valued relationship. However, this simple cause-effect analysis negates the
importance of Steve’s internal cognitions. Ending a relationship is certainly unpleasant and unfortunate.
Most people do not feel good about such an event, and the negative reactions we experience might even
be normal and expected. Nevertheless, Steve’s reactions to the breakup are too severe, intense, and
prolonged to be considered normal.
The breakup with Linda must have other personal significance and meaning to him, contained in
irrational beliefs he holds. Using Ellis’s A-B-C theory of personality we might say that the breakup with
Linda is the activating event A and Steve’s depression and withdrawal is the consequence C. Steve’s
beliefs and interpretations B about A, however, cause his psychological reactions C. It is quite clear that
Steve has irrational beliefs about himself and others that are the basis of his problems. He might be
saying something like this to himself: “Linda’s rejection of me shows me how inadequate and worthless
I am. I’ll never be able to find another woman again. I’m a miserable failure as a man. No one will ever
love me again.” These thoughts are very active in Steve and he keeps telling himself that they are true.
Some of the irrational assumptions that seem to be operating in Steve’s thought processes are as
follows:
1. “I should always please my parents. I must live up to their expectations or I will be a failure as a
son and person.”
2. “If everyone doesn’t love me and approve of me, it would be awful. I’m a worthless and miserable
person.”
3. “I must be perfect in school. I must get straight A’s. If I don’t get good grades, I am stupid.”
4. “A real ‘man’ would never be rejected by a woman. A real ‘man’ should always be able to
perform sexually.”
5. “I’m a prisoner of my past. No matter what I do I cannot change how screwed up I am. I can’t
help being crazy. My future looks bleak.”
These irrational beliefs are at the basis of much of Steve’s problems. He must be helped to distinguish
between the real event and the unrealistic assumptions he makes about its consequences. Because
human beings have the capacity for both rational and irrational thinking, I would utilize Steve’s
capacity for rational thinking to attack his belief system. Logic could help Steve recognize and dispute
faulty assumptions and reasoning, using statements such as “Where is it written that one’s self-worth is
based on being universally loved?” He could be taught realistic and productive self-statements to
replace irrational ones: “I’m catastrophizing again. It’s okay to flub up occasionally. I’m a worthwhile
person even though my father doesn’t approve.” Having Steve understand the cognitive source of his
problems, helping him attack these irrational beliefs, replacing them with realistic values and standards,
and correcting his faulty logic will go a long way to help Steve become a more productive and healthy
individual.
The Family Systems Model of Psychopathology
What if Steve were working with a family systems oriented therapist? How would the therapist view
Steve’s problems and how would he or she help him?