CBT is used to treatdepression,anxiety,substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
What Is the ABC Model?
Instead, they can feel better by acknowledging and changing theirreactionsto their environment.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
This is an event that prompts the start of the reaction.
While it can be a major event, its often something simplelike someone speaking rudely to you.
Beliefs
The “B” stands for beliefs.
This is where the work in the ABC model is done and what determines the outcome of the event.
If this happens, it would be disappointing, but I can handle it."
Consequences
“C” stands for consequences.
This is how you feel or what you do in response to the event in step A.
In the ABC model, consequences are determined by your beliefs in step B."
ABC is a tool used in CBT to highlight this connection.
The strategy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and emotions and learn how to change them into more constructive ones.
For example:
Each of these scenarios could be an event that triggers irrational thoughts.
Those thoughts, in turn, make you feel a certain way.
Benefits of the ABC Model
The ABC model has been widely studied.
One of the main benefits of the ABC model is that it is fairly simple.
The way in which ABC is applied depends on these factors and the needs of the individual.
It can treat a variety of mental health conditions and symptoms.
It stands for antecedents, beliefs, and consequences.
A randomized controlled study of a brief intervention.Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
2016;07. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01423
Michigan State University.ABCs of changing your thoughts and feelings so that change your behavior.
