Why do people think and behave the ways in which they do according to Cognitive therapists?

Answer 1

Hi Gabriel,

Cognitive therapists may believe that people's thoughts and the way that people think directly influences that person's behavior. Specifically, proponents of the cognitive model would believe that maladaptive behavior is a result of maladaptive mental processing. Cognitive therapists specifically target negative thinking processes with the goal of changing behavior. For example, the "cognitive triad," coined by Dr. Aaron Beck, argues that a negative view of the self, the world, and the future together can characterize depression. This view represents cognitive theory because it is the thought processes of that individual (negative interpretation of self, world, and future) that alters behavior (low mood and other symptoms of depression).

Thanks!

-Hannah