Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What is one key aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy?

1. Ignoring thoughts and focusing on actions

2. Using reinforcement and punishment

3. Addressing thoughts as behaviors that influence emotions

4. Focusing solely on past experiences

The correct answer is: Addressing thoughts as behaviors that influence emotions

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) fundamentally revolves around the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. One key aspect is the emphasis on addressing thoughts as behaviors that influence emotions. This means that by identifying and challenging negative or distorted thoughts, individuals can alter their emotional responses and subsequent behaviors. For instance, if a person believes they are unlovable, this thought can lead to feelings of sadness and withdrawal from social interactions. Through CBT, therapists work with clients to reframe these thoughts, thereby improving emotional well-being and changing behaviors. The other options blur the lines of CBT's core principles. Ignoring thoughts would be contrary to CBT’s focus on the interrelationship between cognition and emotion. Although reinforcement and punishment relate more closely to behavioral therapies rather than cognitive aspects, CBT specifically integrates cognitive restructuring techniques. Lastly, a focus solely on past experiences aligns more with psychodynamic therapy, whereas CBT is more oriented toward addressing present thoughts and behaviors to effect change. Thus, the unique approach of CBT lies in recognizing and reshaping how thoughts influence emotional states and resulting actions.