Identifying & Reframing False Beliefs Flashcards
7 cards from real CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Identifying & Reframing False Beliefs flashcards as text
A client with social anxiety believes, 'If I blush, people will think I'm weird and reject me.' A therapist helps them run a conversation while blushing and observe the actual reaction. This intervention is best described as:
Answer: Behavioral experiment to test a specific prediction
A behavioral experiment directly tests a specific predictive belief, providing firsthand disconfirming evidence.
The 'pie chart technique' is most useful for addressing which type of false belief?
Answer: Overpersonalization and excessive self-blame
The pie chart technique helps clients visually redistribute responsibility for an event across all contributing factors, reducing self-blame.
Which question is most characteristic of Socratic dialogue when challenging an automatic thought?
Answer: 'What evidence do you have that this thought is 100% true?'
Asking for evidence is a core Socratic move that prompts clients to examine the factual basis of their automatic thoughts.
A client frequently interprets neutral facial expressions from others as signs of disapproval. The therapist introduces alternative explanations such as tiredness or distraction. This technique is called:
Answer: Generating alternative interpretations
Generating alternative interpretations broadens the client's explanatory range beyond their default negative assumption.
Which of the following best describes an 'intermediate belief' in Aaron Beck's cognitive model?
Answer: A rule, attitude, or assumption that mediates between core beliefs and automatic thoughts
Intermediate beliefs are conditional rules and assumptions (e.g., 'If I work hard, then I am worthwhile') that bridge core beliefs and automatic thoughts.
A client rates their belief in a negative thought at 90% before reframing and 40% after. What does this change primarily indicate?
Answer: A meaningful shift in the strength of the false belief following cognitive restructuring
A significant drop in belief rating reflects genuine cognitive change and is a key indicator of successful reframing.
Which scenario best illustrates 'overgeneralization' in a belief therapy context?
Answer: 'I felt nervous once during a presentation, so public speaking will always go badly for me.'
Overgeneralization draws a broad, absolute conclusion from a single incident, using words like 'always,' 'never,' or 'everyone.'