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Irrational beliefs, attitudes about competition, and splitting
P J Watson1, R J Morris, L Miller
1Psychology Department, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 350 Holt Hall, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. paul-watson@utc.edu
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) supports individual self-actualization by addressing irrational beliefs. However, its effectiveness in promoting social-oriented self-actualization requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) posits that irrational beliefs hinder self-actualization.
- This theory suggests REBT can foster both individualistic and social potentials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test REBT's assumption regarding individualistic and social self-actualization.
- To examine the relationship between irrational beliefs and various measures of self-actualization and competitiveness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Belief Scale and Survey of Personal Beliefs to measure irrationalities.
- Correlated these measures with the Hypercompetitive Attitude Scale (HCAS), Personal Development Competitive Attitude Scale (PDCAS), Splitting Index, and self-esteem.
Main Results:
- REBT's claims were supported for individualistic self-actualization, evidenced by correlations with HCAS and Self-Splitting.
- Limited and counterintuitive findings emerged for social-oriented self-actualization (PDCAS, Family-Splitting, Other-Splitting).
Conclusions:
- REBT appears effective in promoting individualistic self-actualization.
- REBT may be less adept at capturing the rationality of social-oriented self-actualization.
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