Final answer:
In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis, irrational thoughts refer to thoughts that are illogical, unrealistic, and distorted. These thoughts are considered to be the root cause of emotional and behavioral problems. REBT aims to help individuals identify and challenge their irrational thoughts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis, the concept of irrational thoughts refers to thoughts that are illogical, unrealistic, and distorted. These thoughts are considered to be the root cause of emotional and behavioral problems. According to REBT, irrational thoughts lead to negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors, while rational thoughts lead to more positive emotions and adaptive behaviors.
For example, a person may have an irrational thought such as 'I must be perfect in everything I do' which may lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration when they inevitably fall short of this unrealistic expectation. Through REBT, individuals are encouraged to identify and challenge their irrational thoughts, replacing them with more rational and realistic beliefs.