Irrational thinking, with special reference to cognitive therapy

Abstract

An attempt is made to establish connections between two independent lines of cognitive research, with the aim of generating fresh ideas and investigations into the role of selected cognitive processes in abnormal behaviour. Similarities and differences in the approaches of clinical theorists (exemplified here by the work of Beck and his colleagues) and of cognitive researchers (exemplified by the work of Kahneman and Tversky) are identified and assessed. Consideration is given to the possibility of selected findings from cognitive research improving our appreciation of ‘abnormal’ forms of irrational thinking. It is argued that clinical research would benefit by the introduction into their work of the findings and concepts of Kahneman and Tversky, and several examples are put forward. It is also suggested that research into rational and irrational thinking would benefit from a fuller consideration of certain abnormal states. Practical suggestions are made for incorporating some of the key findings from cognitive research into clinical practice and theory.