The Social Desirability of Irrational Beliefs

Abstract

Studied the social desirability of each of Ellis's irrational beliefs by using “fake good” instructions in a sample of 117 male and female college students. Consistent with Joubert's 1984 findings, an increase in irrational beliefs was found. Almost all of the irrational beliefs were regarded as socially desirable by at least half of the sample. Implications for resistance to change in psychotherapy are discussed.