Irrational beliefs in the cause and treatment of emotional distress: A critical review of the rational-emotive model

Abstract

The rational-emotive model of emotional adjustment and psychotherapy (Ellis, 1962) has had a significant impact in clinical psychology during the past two decades. This model has generated a substantial body of research concerning the role of irrational beliefs in the cause and therapeutic alteration of emotional distress. While this body of literature is often cited as supportive evidence for the rational-emotive model, recent criticism of such conclusions have underscored the need for a more critical review of this literature. The present review represents an attempt to critically evaluate the literature concerning the assessment of irrational beliefs, the role of irrational beliefs in causing emotional distress, and the role of irrational beliefs in the treatment of emotional distress. While little disconfirming evidence is found in this literature and a substantial amount of the research findings are consistent with the rational-emotive model, methodological problems and gaps in the literature preclude more than tentative conclusions regarding the model's accuracy. These methodological problems and gaps in existing research as well as suggestions for future research and theory are discussed.