The Cognitive Triad of Depression

Negative View of the Self (The Perceived Defect)

Cognitive theory, developed by Aaron Beck, postulates that the core of depressive thinking is structured into three interconnected components, known as the Cognitive Triad.

The first vertex is the negative view of the "I". In this state, the individual does not attribute his errors to external circumstances or to punctual failures, but to an intrinsic lack in his being.

He perceives himself as defective, inadequate or worthless. For example, if a parent forgets to buy an ingredient for dinner, he does not think, "I had an oversight," but concludes, "I am a disaster as a parent and as a provider."

This self-attribution of worthlessness is global and constant, generating a deep feeling of worthlessness that is independent of the real achievements that the person may have.

Negative View of the World (Demand and Obstacle)

The second component is the negative interpretation of current experiences and the environment, i.e., the worldview.

The depressed person perceives the environment as a place full of insurmountable obstacles, excessive demands and continuous deprivation. He or she interprets neutral or even positive situations with a defeatist bias.

Imagine an employee who receives a new job assignment that involves an interesting challenge.

Under the depressive prism, he sees it not as an opportunity, but as further proof that the world (or his boss) is designed to overwhelm him and demonstrate his inadequacy.

He feels that life demands more from him than he can give and that he receives no support or gratification from his environment.

Negative View of the Future (Hopelessness)

The third angle is the negative view of the future, characterized by hopelessness. The patient anticipates that his current difficulties will continue indefinitely and that any effort to change will be futile.

This is not just pessimism, but the conviction of the immutability of suffering.

If a student fails a subject, instead of thinking he can study harder next semester, he projects a lifetime of academic and work failure. He thinks, "I'm never going to graduate, I'll always be a failure."

This inability to imagine a better future is what often paralyzes the will and fuels suicidal ideation, as the pain is perceived as eternal.

Summary

According to Aaron Beck, depressive thinking is structured in three components. The first is the negative view of the "I", where the subject perceives him/herself as defective, inadequate and lacking intrinsic value.

The second component is the negative view of the world. The person interprets his or her environment as a hostile place, full of insurmountable obstacles and excessive demands that constantly overwhelm him or her without offering support.

Finally, the negative view of the future is characterized by hopelessness. The patient anticipates that her current suffering is immutable and eternal, which paralyzes her will and fuels suicidal ideation.