Question

Discuss the theory of personality behind cognitive therapy. How can you recognize automatic thoughts? Discuss assessment and research in Beck's theory.

Answer 1

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a combination of cognitive and behavioral method in treating various kinds of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorder etc. The CBT model describes how distorted cognition can lead to faulty thinking pattern.

A situation leads to an automatic thought which in turn leads to a behavior. For example - In social anxiety disorder, a person in social situation has automatic thoughts of being inadequate, saying the wrong thing or making a fool out of himself which lead him to behave in a fearful and anxious manner in a social situation.

CBT aims at modifying these automatic thoughts which arise in an individual in a particular situation. This is done by:

Identifying the core beliefs - Core beliefs are beliefs about yourself which define yourself.

Identifying relationships between thoughts and behavior - The client is made to the find the connection in his thought and behavior

Evaluating negative thoughts - Evaluating and changing the negative thought patters and cognitive distortions, which are causing the maladaptive behavior.

Thought recording and monitoring - Recording ones on thoughts and monitoring the behavior which has arised out of those thoughts.