a theory based on the RET approach developed in 1955 by Albert Ellis, proposing that Activating events are not the cause of Consequences, but rather that a person's Beliefs are, hence the ABC terminology
ABC THEORY: "The ABC Theory is well-applied in the case of child molestation charges filed against famed singer/songwriter Michael Jackson in the 1990's- Jackson became recluse following the trial in which he was exonerated. Despite the non-guilty verdict, Jackson was shamed (his beliefs) by the trial (activating event) itself, causing his reclusion and suspected subsequent heavy prescription drug abuse (consequences)."
Cite this page: Nugent, Pam M.S., "ABC THEORY," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/abc-theory/ (accessed June 24, 2017).
