Question

Maggie suffers from depression. She appears to focus on things that are not going well and often cites how events in her life are proof that she is a failure. For example, she considered a "B" on a recent calculus exam to be a "failure" and feels the grade supports her belief that she will never be successful. Maggie's interpretation and manipulation of events would be described as a(n) _________ by a cognitive therapist.

Answer 1

Maggie's negative interpretations are an example of cognitive distortion within learned helplessness, which contributes to depression through maladaptive internal, stable, and global attributions for events.

Step-by-step explanation:

Maggie's interpretation and manipulation of events to fit a negative viewpoint is described as a type of cognitive distortion by a cognitive therapist. This generally falls under the category of learned helplessness, which is a condition where a person feels powerless to change their situation and exhibits a lack of initiative or drive as a result. Seligman's studies on learned helplessness show that the way individuals attribute outcomes of events, particularly negative ones, can contribute to depression. If someone, like the student in the example, tends to make internal, stable, and global attributions for poor outcomes, they are more likely to develop symptoms of depression. In Maggie's case, considering a 'B' on a calculus exam as a failure and evidence of her broader incompetence points towards an internal (self-blame), stable (unchangeable), and global (in every aspect of life) attribution style, which cognitive therapists would aim to address and reformulate into healthier attribution habits.

Answer 2

Answer: Maggie's interpretation and manipulation of events by a cognitive therapist would be described as a:

Borderline Personality Disorder.

Explanation: A borderline personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by a long-term pattern of unstable relationships, a distorted sense of self, and strong emotional reactions.