On the scientific status of cognitive appraisal models of anxiety disorder.
The cognitive paradigm for understanding and treating anxiety disorders comprises two distinct and potentially incompatible approaches: appraisal and information-processing. Advocates of the latter approach have sharply criticized the scientific adequacy of the appraisal models popularized by cognitive therapists. The purpose of this essay is to provide a reappraisal of these critiques of appraisal, and to defend an argument for methodological pluralism.
McNally
R J
RJ
Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. rjm@wjh.harvard.edu
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019336:Cognitive Science / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological