According to rational emotive behavioral therapy, emotional disturbances arise from what?

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, posits that emotional disturbances are primarily the result of irrational beliefs and thoughts rather than external circumstances or experiences. According to this therapeutic approach, individuals often interpret or react to events through a subjective lens shaped by their core beliefs and attitudes about themselves, others, and the world. These intrinsic beliefs can lead to negative emotional responses when they are irrational or unrealistic.

For example, if someone holds a belief that they must be perfect to be accepted, any mistake could lead to feelings of inadequacy or depression. Thus, identifying and challenging these irrational beliefs is central to the REBT process, empowering individuals to change their emotional responses by altering their thinking patterns. This understanding highlights how emotional disturbances arise from internal cognitive processes rather than external factors, genetic influences, or past experiences alone. This focus on intrinsic beliefs underscores the importance of cognitive restructuring in promoting emotional well-being and resilience.