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The Distinction Between Quantitative and Qualitative Dimensions of Emotions: Clinical Implications

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Abstract

REBT theoreticians and practitioners describe two sets of emotions (and behaviors) as a reaction to adversity, whether these are functional or dysfunctional. This article deals with the ways in which REBT practitioners and theoreticians interpret these two sets of reactions, using either a quantitative or qualitative method. It favors the qualitative approach and illustrates it with a graphical representation of the two sets. The use of graphs turns out to be particularly useful for explaining certain phenomena to clients and for teaching novice practitioners. It also provides a framework for establishing an effective new thought or rational belief.

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Correspondence to Wouter Backx.

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Backx, W. The Distinction Between Quantitative and Qualitative Dimensions of Emotions: Clinical Implications. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 30, 25–37 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-010-0122-0

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