PsychologyTherapeutic Approaches

What is ABC analysis in the Rational Emotive Therapy?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Antecedent-belief-consequence

The first step in Rational Emotive Therapy is the antecedent-belief-consequence (ABC) analysis: the events that caused the distress are noted, along with the irrational belief through which they are seen and the negative emotions and behaviours that follow.

NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapies locate the cause of psychological distress in irrational thoughts and beliefs. Albert Ellis formulated the Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). The central thesis of this therapy is that irrational beliefs mediate between the antecedent events and their consequences. The first step in RET is the antecedent-belief-consequence (ABC) analysis. Antecedent events, which caused the psychological distress, are noted. The client is also interviewed to find the irrational beliefs, which are distorting the present reality. …”