Kalinda has been having trouble with her college classes. Each time a professor announces an assignment, she worries that she won't do it right. Every time she takes a test, she worries that she hasn't studied the right things. When her friends notice that she's been acting depressed and ask if she's all right, she tells them she can't do anything right. To help her, a cognitive therapist would probably suggest that Kalinda
A) change the things she is thinking to herself, because they are affecting her ability to function successfully in school.
B) figure out what her meaning in life is to get her back on track with her schoolwork.
C) examine all the parts of her life so she can see her problems at school in the context of her whole life.
D) use free association to explore long-forgotten childhood experiences and traumas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive therapy focuses on changing negative and irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that contribute to psychological distress. In Kalinda's case, her negative thoughts about her academic abilities are likely affecting her performance in school and causing her depression. Therefore, a cognitive therapist would suggest identifying and changing these negative thoughts to improve her mood and academic performance.

Kalinda Has Been Having Trouble with Her College Classes