Which component of the ABCDE model involves challenging irrational beliefs?

In the ABCDE model, the component that involves challenging irrational beliefs is the disputation of beliefs. This step focuses on identifying and critically examining the irrational thoughts or beliefs that contribute to emotional distress or negative behavior. Disputation encourages individuals to question and re-evaluate these beliefs, replacing them with more rational, constructive thought patterns.

By engaging in this process, individuals can better understand the sources of their distress and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking. This is essential in cognitive-behavioral therapy, where the goal is to help clients recognize and alter distorted thinking to improve their mental health outcomes.

The other components, such as the consequences, beliefs, and new effect, serve distinct roles in the model. The beliefs component addresses the irrational thoughts that lead to negative consequences, while the consequences refer to the emotional and behavioral outcomes stemming from those beliefs. The new effect encompasses the positive changes that can result from disputing and modifying irrational beliefs, but it is the disputation process itself that directly challenges the irrational beliefs.