What is the main focus of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

• A. Long-term behavior change
• B. Modification of negatively biased cognitions
• C. Acceptance of thoughts without judgment
• D. Understanding relational frames

Answer: (B)

The main focus of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the modification of negatively biased cognitions. CBT operates on the premise that cognitive distortions contribute significantly to emotional distress and problematic behaviors. Therefore, a critical aspect of CBT is identifying these distorted thoughts and actively working to challenge and change them. This process aims to shift the individual's thinking patterns toward more accurate and constructive responses to experiences, ultimately leading to improved emotional regulation and behavioral outcomes.

Options that emphasize acceptance or understanding relational frames, while relevant to therapeutic processes, do not capture the essence of CBT's approach. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for example, centers on accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, contrasting CBT's focus on modifying negative thoughts. Understanding relational frames is more specific to the framework of relational frame theory, which informs ACT but is not a focus of traditional CBT. While long-term behavior change is a goal of many therapeutic approaches, it does not reflect the distinct mechanism by which CBT operates—namely, the emphasis on cognitive modification.