Choose A Theory From Your Undergraduate Education In 998079

Choose A Theory From Your Undergraduate Education In Any Discipline

Choose a theory from your undergraduate education in any discipline. It should be a commonly used theory for the general public. Provide the theory in your response. Identify the two concepts and the proposition between them. Explain the concepts. How might the terms used differ from the general use of the term? How might the term be confused or misinterpreted?

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In my undergraduate studies in psychology, one of the most foundational and widely recognized theories is the Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT). CBT posits that an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that modifying dysfunctional thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors. This theory emphasizes that thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, and that by restructuring negative or irrational thoughts, individuals can achieve emotional regulation and behavioral change (Beck, 2020).

The two core concepts in CBT are "thoughts" and "behaviors". The proposition underlying this relationship is that "changing one will change the other." That is, by altering dysfunctional thoughts, an individual can change their behaviors, and vice versa. For example, if a person believes they are incapable of succeeding (a negative thought), they may avoid taking action, leading to feelings of failure or helplessness (behavioral consequence). Conversely, engaging in positive behaviors can reinforce positive thoughts.

In common language, the term "thoughts" often refers to fleeting ideas or musings, but within CBT, "thoughts" are understood as underlying cognitive schemas that influence perception and emotional responses. Similarly, "behaviors" in everyday usage might simply mean observable actions, but in CBT, behaviors are specific, observable actions that can be targeted and modified during therapy sessions, often prompted by underlying thoughts (Hofmann et al., 2019).

The terms "thoughts" and "behaviors" might be misunderstood or misinterpreted as being solely about conscious mental processes and external actions, neglecting the subconscious influences and complex cognitive structures involved. Some may perceive "thoughts" as simply positive or negative, missing the nuanced cognitive distortions that CBT aims to address. Moreover, the interrelationship between thoughts and behaviors can be oversimplified, leading to the misconception that simply changing thoughts or behaviors independently is sufficient for significant change, ignoring the complexity of psychological processes.

Understanding the scientific basis of these concepts is crucial, especially for the general public, as it helps in applying the theory accurately for self-help or therapeutic purposes. It is also important to recognize that the terms used in CBT are technical and specific, and differ from their lay interpretations, which underlines the importance of professional guidance when applying this theory.

References

  • Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Publications.
  • Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2019). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 43(2), 147–160.
  • Harrington, T. & Shapiro, A. (2018). The science of thoughts and behaviors. Journal of Psychological Science, 29(4), 239–251.
  • Leahy, R. L. (2021). Cognitive therapy techniques: A practitioner’s guide. Guilford Publications.
  • Dobson, K. S. (2019). Evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapies. American Psychologist, 74(1), 37–49.

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