ABC model of REBT

The basic idea behind the ABC model is that external events (A) do not cause emotions (C ), but beliefs (B) and, in particular, irrational beliefs (B) do.

A= Activating Event

B= Belief

C= Consequences

The model asserts that it’s not a simple matter of an unchangeable process in which events lead to beliefs that result in consequences; the type of belief matters, and we have the power to change our beliefs. REBT divides beliefs into “rational” and “irrational” beliefs.

Our emotions and behaviors (C: Consequences) are not directly determined by life events (A: Activating Events), but rather by the way these events are cognitively processed and evaluated (B: Beliefs).

ABC Model of Beck, Elis and Seigmen.

ABCDE Model

A changed form of the ABC Model is the ABCDE model. In this updated model, the D stands for the Disputation of Beliefs and E stands for the new Effect or the result of holding healthier beliefs.

Calling it the “ABCDE” Model instead of the “ABC” Model simply makes these two steps more explicit, but they are present regardless of what one calls it.

1. A: Activating Event (something happens to or around someone)
2. B: Belief (the event causes someone to have a belief, either rational or irrational)
3. C: Consequence (the belief leads to a consequence, with rational beliefs leading to health consequences and irrational beliefs leading to unhealthy consequences)
4. D: Disputating (if one has held an irrational belief which has caused unhealthy consequences, they must dispute that belief and turn it into a rational belief)
5. E: Effect (the disputation has turned the irrational belief into a rational belief, and the person now has healthier consequences of their belief as a result).

ABCDE Model