Why two, central REBT hypotheses appear untestable

Abstract

This article argues that two of REBT's central hypotheses, the core and the primacy of the musts hypotheses, are untestable. One reason that these hypotheses are untestable concerns the interdependence principle that REBT maintains. This principle suggests that cognitions, emotions, and behaviour are part of an interdependent system, and as such, none of the three elements of that system can be measured separately from the others. Due to this interdependence principle, it cannot be established that cognitions are at the core of psychological disturbance and health (the core hypothesis); furthermore, the interdependence principle prevents the primacy of the musts hypothesis from being examined, as well. This hypothesis states that of the four irrational beliefs purported by REBT theory, musts are at the very core of psychological disturbance and the other three irrational beliefs are derived from these musts. Irrespective of the interdependence principle and the core hypothesis, the primacy of the musts hypothesis is also apparently untestable due to the current inability to measure musts adequately.