Sam just failed his first exam in history and he thinks "I am going to fail out of college". What would a cognitive theorist say to Sam?
A) Failing the test will likely impact your final grade so you should consider withdrawing from the course.
B) You will need to study harder for the next exam.
C) How do you know you will fail out of college?
D) Nothing, cognitive theorists would only listen to the problem and not intervene.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cognitive theorist would challenge Sam's negative thought pattern and ask him to consider evidence for and against his belief that he will fail out of college. This can help Sam to realize that one failed exam does not necessarily mean he will fail out of college. Options A and B suggest solutions without addressing Sam's underlying thoughts and beliefs, and option D is not accurate as cognitive theorists do intervene and work with clients to change negative thought patterns.

Sam Just Failed His First Exam in History and He