The ABC Theory of REBT
The ABC theory states that guilt comes not because of the actions we do but from the belief of the action we have done. The beliefs come as the result of secondary disturbances (guilt) that are built on the primary disturbances (action). The letters ABC stands for Action, Belief, and Consequences. REBT means Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. The ABC theory tries to define the irrational beliefs and values, that are enjoined to the disputed emotional and behavioral disturbance; that derail us from achieving more when we dwell in them for so long than moving on by accepting our situation.
The Goals of the ABC Theory REBT
There are mainly three basic goals in the theory which are aimed at resolving our current situation brought about by our past disputed reaction; by making one accept his or her predicament despite the severity of the consequence and create harmony so as to emancipate oneself from it.
- Unconditional Self Acceptance (USA); in the inclusion of all one goes through, the lesson learned is that forever action is a reaction hence you should embrace the results whether good or bad. The outcome should prepare you to make logical decisions in the future as well as make you move on and strive to better yourself.
- Unconditional Other Acceptance (UOA); here you are urged to react positively and accommodate others as they are to desist from suffering due to their actions which maybe you cannot change. You need to accept those near you as they are and avoid the stress of recording their shortcomings. This definitely improves their well-being and yours too hence there is undisputed co-existence in all facets of life.
- The third goal of the ABC Theory of REBT is to assist yourself and others to alter or change any dysfunctional emotions that may be hindering your productivity. You should accept your inadequacies and others’ especially those you cannot change in any way. But to those you that have the power to change be positive and commence change without creating more disturbances.
As discussed the emotional and behavioral disorders will affect your productivity as you will feel stressed emotional, disillusioned, lacking self-esteem caused by dwelling on the negatives things people perceive about you, and eventually be unable to transform any situation to your benefit. The best solution to the emotional and behavior disorders is to constantly and effectively dispute them as irrational beliefs by:
- Detecting and defining irrational beliefs as illogical as well as unrealistic; the ideal situation of piousness is unachievable by any human being; human is to error.
- Indisputably accept what you cannot change as normal and there to stay; there are factors that affect you but there is no way you can change them as you lineage, heredity, origin, and many others. The idea or these factors should not hold you back; do what you can do and leave the rest.
- The worst comes when one condemns oneself or others; to reduce the effect of emotional and behavioral disorders you are urged to always compliment even the shortfalls and move on by trying to change them.
With the expected understanding of the ABC theory of REBT, we would see a better life where people accept and accommodate situations and others. Any form of stress due to guilt will definitely hold you down and fail to achieve what is expected of you in all your endeavor.