RESEARCH_FILE
Aaron T. Beck
University of Pennsylvania
Known for:Founder of cognitive therapy; introduced the sociotropy–autonomy model identifying two cognitive personality dimensions that predict domain-specific vulnerability to depression
SEE THE PRACTICE
Turn a thought this research explains into one clear move.
THE THOUGHT
“I can't say no”
YOUR RECORDED RESPONSE
“No is a complete sentence, and I can survive their reaction.”
ONE PRIVATE MOVE
Open a notes app or a piece of paper and write three versions of a calm no for a request you’ve already received this week. Keep them private; do not send anything.
Key findings
- 1983
Introduced sociotropy (over-investment in others' approval and interpersonal closeness) and autonomy (over-investment in achievement and independence) as two cognitive personality dimensions that create domain-specific vulnerability to depression — sociotropic individuals being most at risk from interpersonal loss events. Cognitive therapy of depression: New perspectives ↗