What is a core premise of cognitive-behavioral therapy?

What is a core premise of cognitive-behavioral therapy?

• A. Exploring unconscious drives
• B. Changing self-defeating thoughts leads to changes in emotions and behavior
• C. Relying exclusively on medication
• D. Dream analysis guides therapy

Answer: (B)

The central idea in cognitive-behavioral therapy is that our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. When people face a situation, automatic thoughts—often negative or distorted—drive how they feel and behave. By identifying these thoughts, testing their accuracy, and replacing them with more balanced, evidence-based interpretations, someone can reduce distress and change how they respond. For example, if a student thinks “I’ll fail this test,” CBT helps them challenge that belief, consider supporting evidence, and adopt a more constructive thought like “I’ve studied, I’ll do my best,” which can lessen anxiety and improve study behavior. This focus on changing thinking to influence emotions and behavior is what makes CBT distinct. The other approaches listed belong to different therapeutic traditions: exploring unconscious drives is typically associated with psychodynamic theory, relying exclusively on medication is pharmacotherapy, and dream analysis is tied to psychodynamic/analytic approaches.

The central idea in cognitive-behavioral therapy is that our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. When people face a situation, automatic thoughts—often negative or distorted—drive how they feel and behave. By identifying these thoughts, testing their accuracy, and replacing them with more balanced, evidence-based interpretations, someone can reduce distress and change how they respond. For example, if a student thinks “I’ll fail this test,” CBT helps them challenge that belief, consider supporting evidence, and adopt a more constructive thought like “I’ve studied, I’ll do my best,” which can lessen anxiety and improve study behavior. This focus on changing thinking to influence emotions and behavior is what makes CBT distinct. The other approaches listed belong to different therapeutic traditions: exploring unconscious drives is typically associated with psychodynamic theory, relying exclusively on medication is pharmacotherapy, and dream analysis is tied to psychodynamic/analytic approaches.