Cognitive Model Of Abnormality

The Cognitive Model of Abnormality is a way of explaining negative or abnormal behaviors as arising from disruptive patterns of thinking. It explains psychological issues as being due to cognitive processes that are not functioning normally. Negative patterns of thinking cause negative behaviors to arise as a result. Treatment for these issues focuses on teaching the patient to think differently. A patient's disruptive beliefs and emotions are changed which decrease the severity of problem behaviors or stop the problematic behaviors entirely. This type of treatment is successful with compulsive disorders and phobias.