What is the primary aim of cognitive therapy?

Cognitive therapy primarily aims to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By focusing on replacing pessimistic thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, cognitive therapy helps individuals develop healthier cognitive patterns that can lead to improved emotional well-being and functioning.

This approach is rooted in the understanding that our thoughts directly influence our feelings and behaviors. For instance, if a person believes they will fail at a task, this negative thought can lead to feelings of anxiety and avoidance of that task. Cognitive therapy encourages individuals to challenge these negative beliefs and replace them with more constructive thoughts, thereby fostering a more positive outlook on life.

While other options may represent important components of mental health treatment—such as addressing irrational fears or enhancing self-esteem—they do not encapsulate the central focus of cognitive therapy as well as the aim of replacing pessimistic thoughts with positive ones does. The resolution of unconscious conflicts is more characteristic of psychodynamic approaches rather than cognitive therapy.