How Cognitive Theory Is Used to Treat Mental Health Conditions

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Cognitive Theory WorksUsesCognitive BiasesExamplesTechniquesTypes

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How Cognitive Theory Works

Uses

Cognitive Biases

Examples

Techniques

Types

At a GlanceCognitive theory focuses on how thoughts lead to emotions, anxieties, and behaviors. Distorted or negative thoughts can play a role in maladaptive behaviors and emotional distress.The underlying goal of cognitive theory is to help people understand these thought patterns so they can replace unhelpful patterns with healthier, adaptive ones.

At a Glance

Cognitive theory focuses on how thoughts lead to emotions, anxieties, and behaviors. Distorted or negative thoughts can play a role in maladaptive behaviors and emotional distress.The underlying goal of cognitive theory is to help people understand these thought patterns so they can replace unhelpful patterns with healthier, adaptive ones.

The assumption of cognitive theory is that thoughts are the primary determinants of emotions and behavior.Information processingis a common description of this mental process. Theorists compare the way the human mind functions to a computer.

Pure cognitive theory challengesbehaviorism, another approach to psychology, on the basis that it reduces complex human behavior to simple cause and effect.

The trend of the last decades has been to merge cognitive theory and behaviorism into a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT). This allows therapists to use techniques from both schools of thought to help clients achieve their goals.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and How Does It Work?

Uses for Cognitive Theory

Cognitive theory can be used in treatments for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including:

Using Cognitive Theory to Change Biases

Your therapist relies on cognitive theory if they highlight identifying thecognitive biasesin your maladaptive thoughts as a part of yourtreatment plan.For example, two types of cognitive biases addressed in anxiety treatment include:

Attention Bias

Attention bias means that when you are experiencing your anxiety trigger, you pay attention to the negative signals instead of positive ones.For example, if you have a fear of public speaking, you only look at audience members with facial expressions you see as threatening, rather than seeking out the smiling faces.

Interpretation Bias

Interpretation bias, as the name implies, refers to misinterpreting information.At the podium, you might think an audience member with a negative facial expression is a reflection of how they feel about you when they’re really just tired.

Examples of Cognitive Theory

There are also different types of cognitive theories that are often used to explain aspects of human cognition.

Social Cognitive Theory

Social cognitive theoryis a subset of cognitive theory. Therapists use it to treat phobias and other psychological disorders. It is primarily focused on the ways in which we learn tomodel the behavior of others.

Advertising campaigns and peer pressure situations are good examples.

Cognitive Learning Theory

This theory focuses on how people actively engage with thinking and problem-solving as they learn new information and acquire skills. This approach assumes that people seek information and learn best when they utilize their thinking abilities to figure things out vs. just learning through memorization and repetition.

Techniques Based on Cognitive Theory

A number of important therapeutic techniques that are used to treat different types of mental health conditions are based on cognitive theory. Some of these include:

Cognitive Restructuring

All three types of phobia fall into a larger group of psychological issues called anxiety disorders, which are the most common type of psychiatric disorder.

Cognitive restructuring, based on cognitive theory, is part of an effective treatment plan for anxiety disorder. It involves the therapist asking you questions, helping you analyze the answers to increase your understanding of your anxiety, and assisting you in “rewriting” your maladaptive thoughts.

Cognitive Reframing

While cognitive restructuring is typically done with the guidance of a therapist,cognitive reframingis a similar technique you can use on your own.

When you are caught up in negative thinking, try shifting the frame or lens through which you see the situation. Ask yourself whether what you are thinking is realistic, and consider other ways that you might view the situation.

Exposure

Exposure involves confronting the source of your fear or anxiety. During treatment, people are slowly exposed to the things they fear. At the same time, they may practice relaxation techniques and coping skills that will help them manage their feelings of fear and anxiety.

Over time, exposure can help people become less fearful and feel more confident in managing their emotional responses.

Behavioral Experiments

Behavioral experiments are experiences that can help people test whether their negative or unhelpful thoughts are valid. These planned activities allow people to be exposed to an anxiety-provoking situation. This enables people to test the accuracy of their beliefs and the helpfulness of new ways of thinking and coping skills.

Types of Therapy Based on Cognitive Theory

Various therapeutic approaches are rooted in cognitive theory.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)is one of the most widely used and empirically validated treatments. Other therapies that utilize aspects of cognitive theory include:

Takeaway

Cognitive theory plays an important role in mental health treatment. According to this theory, understanding the thought patterns that influence how people think and act can help relieve mental distress and improve functioning. Many types of therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are rooted in cognitive theory.

Cognitive Psychology - The Science of How We Think

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Cognitive psychology.DiGiuseppe R, David D, Venezia R.Cognitive theories. In: Norcross JC, VandenBos GR, Freedheim DK, Olatunji BO, eds.APA Handbook of Clinical Psychology: Theory and Research (Vol. 2). American Psychological Association; 2016:145-182. doi:10.1037/14773-006Li J, Ma H, Yang H, Yu H, Zhang N.Cognitive bias modification for adult’s depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Psychol. 2023;13:968638. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968638Barry TJ, Vervliet B, Hermans D.An integrative review of attention biases and their contribution to treatment for anxiety disorders.Front Psychol. 2015;6:968. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00968Beard C, Amir N.Negative Interpretation Bias Mediates the Effect of Social Anxiety on State Anxiety.Cognit Ther Res. 2010;34(3):292-296. doi:10.1007/s10608-009-9258-6Yoon HJ, Tourassi G.Analysis of Online Social Networks to Understand Information Sharing Behaviors Through Social Cognitive Theory.Annu ORNL Biomed Sci Eng Cent Conf. 2014. doi:10.1109/BSEC.2014.6867744Padesky CA, Mooney KA.Strengths‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy: A four‐step model to build resilience.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2012;19:283-290. doi:10.1002/cpp.1795Crum J.Understanding mental health and cognitive restructuring with ecological neuroscience.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:697095. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.697095Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, Smits JAJ.The basics of exposure therapy. In: Smits JAJ, Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, eds.Clinical Guide to Exposure Therapy. Springer International Publishing; 2022:1-31. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-04927-9_1Murray H, El-Leithy S.Behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Why, when, and how?Verhaltenstherapie. 2021;31(1):50-60. doi:10.1159/000511921Additional ReadingSeligman LD, Ollendick TH.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2011;20(2):217-238. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2011.01.003

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Cognitive psychology.DiGiuseppe R, David D, Venezia R.Cognitive theories. In: Norcross JC, VandenBos GR, Freedheim DK, Olatunji BO, eds.APA Handbook of Clinical Psychology: Theory and Research (Vol. 2). American Psychological Association; 2016:145-182. doi:10.1037/14773-006Li J, Ma H, Yang H, Yu H, Zhang N.Cognitive bias modification for adult’s depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Psychol. 2023;13:968638. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968638Barry TJ, Vervliet B, Hermans D.An integrative review of attention biases and their contribution to treatment for anxiety disorders.Front Psychol. 2015;6:968. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00968Beard C, Amir N.Negative Interpretation Bias Mediates the Effect of Social Anxiety on State Anxiety.Cognit Ther Res. 2010;34(3):292-296. doi:10.1007/s10608-009-9258-6Yoon HJ, Tourassi G.Analysis of Online Social Networks to Understand Information Sharing Behaviors Through Social Cognitive Theory.Annu ORNL Biomed Sci Eng Cent Conf. 2014. doi:10.1109/BSEC.2014.6867744Padesky CA, Mooney KA.Strengths‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy: A four‐step model to build resilience.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2012;19:283-290. doi:10.1002/cpp.1795Crum J.Understanding mental health and cognitive restructuring with ecological neuroscience.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:697095. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.697095Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, Smits JAJ.The basics of exposure therapy. In: Smits JAJ, Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, eds.Clinical Guide to Exposure Therapy. Springer International Publishing; 2022:1-31. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-04927-9_1Murray H, El-Leithy S.Behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Why, when, and how?Verhaltenstherapie. 2021;31(1):50-60. doi:10.1159/000511921Additional ReadingSeligman LD, Ollendick TH.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2011;20(2):217-238. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2011.01.003

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychological Association.Cognitive psychology.DiGiuseppe R, David D, Venezia R.Cognitive theories. In: Norcross JC, VandenBos GR, Freedheim DK, Olatunji BO, eds.APA Handbook of Clinical Psychology: Theory and Research (Vol. 2). American Psychological Association; 2016:145-182. doi:10.1037/14773-006Li J, Ma H, Yang H, Yu H, Zhang N.Cognitive bias modification for adult’s depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Psychol. 2023;13:968638. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968638Barry TJ, Vervliet B, Hermans D.An integrative review of attention biases and their contribution to treatment for anxiety disorders.Front Psychol. 2015;6:968. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00968Beard C, Amir N.Negative Interpretation Bias Mediates the Effect of Social Anxiety on State Anxiety.Cognit Ther Res. 2010;34(3):292-296. doi:10.1007/s10608-009-9258-6Yoon HJ, Tourassi G.Analysis of Online Social Networks to Understand Information Sharing Behaviors Through Social Cognitive Theory.Annu ORNL Biomed Sci Eng Cent Conf. 2014. doi:10.1109/BSEC.2014.6867744Padesky CA, Mooney KA.Strengths‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy: A four‐step model to build resilience.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2012;19:283-290. doi:10.1002/cpp.1795Crum J.Understanding mental health and cognitive restructuring with ecological neuroscience.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:697095. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.697095Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, Smits JAJ.The basics of exposure therapy. In: Smits JAJ, Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, eds.Clinical Guide to Exposure Therapy. Springer International Publishing; 2022:1-31. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-04927-9_1Murray H, El-Leithy S.Behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Why, when, and how?Verhaltenstherapie. 2021;31(1):50-60. doi:10.1159/000511921

American Psychological Association.Cognitive psychology.

DiGiuseppe R, David D, Venezia R.Cognitive theories. In: Norcross JC, VandenBos GR, Freedheim DK, Olatunji BO, eds.APA Handbook of Clinical Psychology: Theory and Research (Vol. 2). American Psychological Association; 2016:145-182. doi:10.1037/14773-006

Li J, Ma H, Yang H, Yu H, Zhang N.Cognitive bias modification for adult’s depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Psychol. 2023;13:968638. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968638

Barry TJ, Vervliet B, Hermans D.An integrative review of attention biases and their contribution to treatment for anxiety disorders.Front Psychol. 2015;6:968. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00968

Beard C, Amir N.Negative Interpretation Bias Mediates the Effect of Social Anxiety on State Anxiety.Cognit Ther Res. 2010;34(3):292-296. doi:10.1007/s10608-009-9258-6

Yoon HJ, Tourassi G.Analysis of Online Social Networks to Understand Information Sharing Behaviors Through Social Cognitive Theory.Annu ORNL Biomed Sci Eng Cent Conf. 2014. doi:10.1109/BSEC.2014.6867744

Padesky CA, Mooney KA.Strengths‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy: A four‐step model to build resilience.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2012;19:283-290. doi:10.1002/cpp.1795

Crum J.Understanding mental health and cognitive restructuring with ecological neuroscience.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:697095. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.697095

Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, Smits JAJ.The basics of exposure therapy. In: Smits JAJ, Jacquart J, Abramowitz J, Arch J, Margraf J, eds.Clinical Guide to Exposure Therapy. Springer International Publishing; 2022:1-31. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-04927-9_1

Murray H, El-Leithy S.Behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Why, when, and how?Verhaltenstherapie. 2021;31(1):50-60. doi:10.1159/000511921

Seligman LD, Ollendick TH.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2011;20(2):217-238. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2011.01.003

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