CBT Cognitive Restructuring Flashcards

In the ABC model (Ellis), what does 'B' stand for?

Answer: Belief

In Ellis's ABC model, B represents the Belief (rational or irrational) that mediates between the activating event and the emotional consequence.

A client with anger issues engages in 'mind reading,' assuming others deliberately disrespect them. The therapist's BEST initial response is to:

Answer: Help the client identify alternative explanations for others' behavior

Generating alternative explanations directly challenges mind-reading distortions and broadens the client's perspective.

Which of the following BEST describes the 'downward arrow' technique?

Answer: A method to uncover deeper core beliefs by repeatedly asking 'What would that mean?'

The downward arrow technique repeatedly probes the meaning of a thought to reveal the underlying core belief driving the distress.

A CART therapist teaches a client that anger is triggered not by events but by interpretations. This reflects which CBT principle?

Answer: Cognitive mediation

Cognitive mediation is the CBT principle that thoughts (interpretations), not events themselves, determine emotional responses.

When a client says 'She cut me off in traffic just to make me angry,' the therapist targets this thought because it is an example of:

Answer: Personalization

Personalization is attributing others' unrelated actions to oneself as the intended target, which amplifies anger.

What role do behavioral experiments play in cognitive restructuring for anger?

Answer: They test the validity of anger-related beliefs through real-world evidence

Behavioral experiments provide concrete evidence that can confirm or disconfirm anger-provoking beliefs, making cognitive change more robust.

Which automatic thought is MOST associated with intense anger in CBT literature?

Answer: 'This is unfair and I can't stand it.'

Anger-specific automatic thoughts typically involve themes of injustice, intolerance ('I can't stand it'), and entitlement.