A research by Mastura Mahfar and Astan Amat Senns from the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) aimed to apply the approach of REBT in employees at the workplace to manage their stress. REBT (Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy) is a Cognitive Behavioral approach that focuses on identifying irrational beliefs in order to reduce emotional and behavioral disturbances. The paper explained how emotional disturbances and behavioral reactions aren’t solely caused by external events but are influenced by an individual’s beliefs about the events.
The ABCDE Model, based on the REBT approach developed by Albert Ellis, can help employees manage their stress levels at the workplace by identifying and challenging their irrational beliefs and replacing them with rational beliefs. The ABCDE model includes Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences (emotional and behavioral), Disputation of irrational beliefs, and Effect (rational beliefs).
The paper sheds light on the types of irrational beliefs held by employees: Demandingness, awfulizing, low frustration tolerance, and global evaluation. These contribute to helping REBT practitioners understand the emotional disturbances and behavior of employees. Four irrational beliefs were found, including demandingness, awfulizing, low frustration tolerance, and global evaluation. These irrational beliefs are rigid, extreme, and illogical. Demandingness involves rigidly emphasizing situations as “must” or “should,” for example, “My boss should respect me.”
Replacing this demandingness with a flexible belief using the phrase “want” or “choose to,” for example, “I want my boss to respect me, but I don’t necessarily get it,” can allow the employee to express their desires instead of demanding a perfect life situation. Awfulizing beliefs appraise an event to think the worst of it, such as “It’s awful if my boss doesn’t respect me.” Global evaluation appears when the employees overgeneralize about others, themselves, and the world when demands are unmet.
About REBT
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s, is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals manage emotions by changing irrational beliefs. It teaches that our reactions are shaped by our beliefs about events, not the events themselves.
The ABC Model explains this process: A (Activating Event) is the situation, B (Belief System) is the interpretation, and C (Consequence) is the emotional or behavioral response. If beliefs are irrational, they lead to distress. REBT introduces D (Disputation) to challenge these beliefs and replace them with E (Effective New Beliefs) for healthier thinking.
Common irrational beliefs include demandingness (“Things must go my way”), awfulizing (“This is the worst ever”), low frustration tolerance (“I can’t handle this”), and global evaluation (harsh self-judgment). These rigid thoughts can cause stress and anxiety.
REBT is used in workplace stress management, anxiety, depression, and personal growth. By changing negative thought patterns, individuals build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and handle challenges more effectively.
Read more: What is Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)?
