Question

Sheila was not picked to be a basketball captain in gym class. She thought the gym teacher didn't pick her because Sheila is short. Sheila became angry with the teacher and acted rudely in gym class. Explain this scenario using what psychologist Albert Ellis calls the \(A B C\) s.

Short answer

A (Activating Event) is Sheila not being picked to be a basketball captain. B (Beliefs) is Sheila's belief that the gym teacher didn't pick her because she's short. C (Consequences) is Sheila's anger and rude behavior in class as a reaction to her assumption.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Activating Event (A)

The activating event here is Sheila not being picked to be a basketball team captain in gym class.

Identify Beliefs (B)

Sheila's belief in this situation is that her gym teacher didn't pick her to be a captain because she is short.

Identify Consequences (C)

The consequence is Sheila became angry with her teacher and acted rudely in the gym class.

Key concepts

Activating Event

In the ABC Model of Emotions, the activating event is the trigger that sets off a sequence of emotions and reactions. It is essentially "what happens" in a given situation. For Sheila, the activating event is clear: she was not chosen to be the basketball team captain during her gym class. This event is external and is typically something that others can also observe or agree is happening. Furthermore, an activating event is not inherently good or bad; it simply initiates a chain reaction that unfolds through a person's beliefs and emotions.
In real-life scenarios, it is key to accurately identify the activating event as it helps to clarify the source of our emotions. By understanding what specifically started this emotional journey, individuals can begin to unravel complex emotional responses. In Sheila's scenario, understanding that the event was not being chosen, independent of any other interpretations or feelings, is crucial for addressing her subsequent emotions and actions.

Beliefs and Cognitions

Beliefs and cognitions refer to the thoughts and interpretations that an individual holds about the activating event. These are internal processes that are unique to each person. They greatly affect how a person feels and reacts.
In Sheila’s case, her belief is that she was not picked as a basketball captain because she is short. It’s essential to understand that beliefs can sometimes be distorted or not entirely accurate. They act as filters through which we view events, altering our perception. Often, these beliefs are rooted in personal insecurities, past experiences, or societal expectations.
If Sheila had interpreted the event differently, such as believing that her teacher wanted to give others a chance to lead, her emotional reaction might have been different. This demonstrates how powerful beliefs are in shaping our emotional world. By challenging and restructuring these beliefs, a person can dramatically change their subsequent emotional and behavioral responses.

Emotional Consequences

Emotional consequences are the feelings and actions that result from one's beliefs about an activating event. They are the outcome of the cognitive interpretation, not the event itself.
For Sheila, the emotional consequence of believing that her height was the reason she wasn't chosen as captain was anger. This anger manifested in her rude behavior towards her gym teacher. It's important to recognize this distinction: it wasn't the event that caused her anger directly; it was her belief about the event.
Understanding emotional consequences allows individuals to pinpoint how their feelings evolve and what drives their actions. By realizing that altering one's beliefs can lead to different emotional outcomes, there's a door opened for positive emotional and behavioral change. This realization is a pivotal part of emotional regulation, helping individuals respond more constructively in the future.