Citation

Beck AT, Clark DA. Anxiety Research 1988; 1(1): 23-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10615808808248218

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Beck's cognitive theory (CT) of anxiety and depression is briefly described. It is proposed that each psychopathological state has a specific cognitive profile. In anxiety states, this profile involves the theme of perceived physical or psychological threat to one's personal domain, while in depression the ideational content emphasizes loss or deprivation. Moreover, CT postulates differentiation between affective states based on the specific cognitive content evident with each disorder. The empirical literature bearing on the cognitive profile and content-specificity hypotheses is reviewed, and recommendations for further research are discussed.