What Is Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy?

Theory Name: Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (Murdock, 2013), A-B-C Theory (Digiuseppe, Doyle, Windy, and Backx), Rational Therapy, 1961 (Dryden, 2005)

Theory Originator: Albert Ellis (DiGiuseppe, 2014)

Theory Time Period: 1955 (David, Szentagotai, Eva, Macavei, 2005)

Theory Approach: This is a cognitive behavioral approach that is ahistorical and active oriented to managing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disturbances (David, Szentagotai, Eva, Macavei, 2005). Rational emotive behavior maintains the “here and now” alignment, an active-directive and re-educative style, and combines cognitive, emotive, and behavior strategies (Ellis & Blau, 1998; Digiuseppe, Doyle, Dryden, and Backx, 1992)

Hypothesis of Health: ABC model of psychological
Resulting in irrational conclusions and/or cognitive processes including (1) demandingness; (2) awfulizing/catastrophizing; (3) low-frustration tolerance; and (4) global evaluation and self-downing. (Kallay and Szentagotai, 2006).
Hypothesis of Healing Factors: To cure the client a behavioral change will occur (Murdock, 2013). Acceptance and mindfulness interventions creates an awareness of thoughts and emotions that interfere with their functioning and hold a nonjudgmental view towards new experiences and behaviors despite the presence of detracting thoughts and emotions (Digiuseppe, Doyle, Dryden, and Backx, 1992). This results in becoming flexible towards internal stimuli and disturbed behaviors that trigger uncomfortable thoughts and emotions (Digiuseppe, Doyle, Dryden, and Backx, 1992). The individual then begins to work on the unconditional self-acceptance, or USA (Murdock,
A- (interference) arises from the core/imperative cognitive schemas (Digiuseppe, Doyle, Dryden, and Backx, 1992). Cognitive disputations are efforts to change the client’s flawed belief through philosophical persuasion, didactic presentations, Socratic dialogue, vicarious experiences, and other models or verbal expression (Digiuseppe, Doyle, Dryden, and Backx, 1992).
Hypothesis of Emotion: Emotions are experiences, they are not a matter of fact or opinion and not debatable (DiGiuseppe, 2014). The A-B-C is the concept that A activates and then B causes C. Therefore A is the antecedent of the triggered event and/or experience which manifest through thoughts, emotions, fantasies, and other individuals that C is the consequences of the emotional event or behavior (Murdock, 2013).

Hypothesis of Mood Disorder: Dysfunctional ideas or irrational beliefs for depression create neurotic disturbances; within philosophies, beliefs, and consequences resulting to be emotionally reactive and behaviorally disorganized (Murdock,