ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at an explanation of human unhappiness from a cognitive stance, more specifically from a Rational Emotive Therapy perspective. Rational Emotive philosophy and practice grew from a combination of learning theory and behaviourist approaches, as I. M. Blackburn suggests, 'more an evolution than a revolution'. Rational Emotive Therapy in its purest form gives no credence to theories which emphasise the overriding significance of early developmental experiences and relationships. The goals of a rational approach are summarised by S. R. Walen, R. DiGuiseppe and R. L. Wessler as follows: survival, achieving satisfaction with living and affiliating with others in a positive way. It also includes achieving intimate involvement with a few others and developing or maintaining a vital absorption in some personally fulfilling endeavour. The process of disputing Irrational Beliefs can be tuned to fit the linguistic competence, general ability level and age of the client.
