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Daniel Goleman- Theory of Emotional Intelligence

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well known type of therapy used to fight depression.  The literature has shown the successes of using this type of therapy with children.  CBT incorporates practices that coincide with Goleman’s beliefs.  CBT curriculum helps students to learn to think positively when a negative situation arises.  They learn communication and problem solving techniques.

• CBT is based on the premise that depression is not caused by stressful events but by the way people negatively interpret these events.
• CBT uses techniques that develop social and communication skills, along with problem solving and cognitive restructuring skills as a means of preventing depression.
• CBT techniques can be incorporated into a school's curriculum.  Skills can be taught to help students learn to think positively when a negative situation arises.
• CBT provides students with the necessary communication skills that promote successful problem solving. 
• CBT uses a collaborative approach to prevention which includes teachers, parents/caregivers, and community mental health care providers.

CBT uses three types of prevention.

Primary prevention- targets children from entire population.  The goal is to provide students with enhanced coping techniques and interpersonal skills.  Students are taught to confront problems and are provided skills to solve them.  Students gain a sense of achievement and control.

Secondary prevention- targets students who have exhibited signs of depression.  CBT works on providing a secure environment for these students which promotes success.  Students are taught to recognize automatic thoughts and understand how they affect their moods.  Students learn how to think rationally when a problem arises.

Tertiary prevention- targets children who have developed symptoms of depression.  Students are taught relaxation techniques.  They learn to sit in a quiet place and are taught to breathe slowly while thinking positive thoughts. 

CBT's cognitive component places an emphasis on helping children identify and interrupt negative and pessimistic thoughts, beliefs, biases, and causal attributions.

CBT's behavioral component emphasizes increasing positive behavioral patterns through the use of good social and communication skills.  Pleasurable activities help develop and maintain a positive mood.