Cognitive Behavioral Theory

The study of human psychology that deals with a persons behavior is referred to as cognitive behavioral theory. Other terms used to describe cognitive behavioral theory, or CBT, are cognitive behavioral therapy, rational behavioral theory, amongst others. Cognitive behavioral theory deals with many aspects of psychology of the human mind. This theory is concentrated around what people think, how they react to stimulation and their perception through vision and hearing.

Cognitive behavioral theory uses a talking approach to try to resolve the problems associated with emotional dysfunctions. Evidence can be found that cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to treat a variety of disorders. Some of the mental disorders or emotional problems that can be treated with cognitive behavioral theory are substance abuse, behavioral disorders and emotional stress, to name a few.

We first must understand the concepts of cognitive behavioral theory and some of it’s history to understand exactly what is cognitive behavioral theory. Albert Bandara, the Canadian born psychologist, is recognized as the father of cognitive behavioral theory. Albert Bandara developed the theory of cognitive behavior. Bandara has received rewards on the subject of cognitive behavioral theory and is an authority on the subject. There have been many other famed psychiatrists and psychologists a like to contribute to the subject of cognitive behavioral theory. Some of these people are, Albert Ellis, who is famous for his adaption and development of Rational Behavioral Theory or REBT, and Aaron Beck who was a famous psychiatrist with experience in psychoanalytical training. All of these people have contributed to the field of cognitive behavioral theory.

To understand cognitive behavioral theory and what cognitive behavioral theory is we must first understand its meaning. The word cognition means to recognize or to conceptualize. Cognitive behavior theory is just that, the ability to recognize behaviors and being able to create beliefs around them. It is also the ability to retain these beliefs.

In cognitive behavioral theory the are different personalities that are recognized. Personalities can fall into four different personality types; Optimistic, Phlegmatic, Melancholy, Choleric, each persons personality can be gauged by a mixture of these four personalities according to the Greek scholar Hippocrates. In cognitive behavioral theory we have many different personality traits which contribute to a persons personality. These traits can be, determination and freewill, uniqueness and universality, optimistic or pessimistic. These are the traits that determine a persons personality.

The subject of cognitive behavioral theory is rather large. This is the theory behind cognitive behavioral therapy is cognitive behavioral theory. These theories have gave many help in dealing with personality disorders.

Human psychology is one of the most sophisticated areas in the study of human health. Up to date, there are still Grey areas whose role in the stability of human psychology is yet to fully understood. It is for this reason that scholars and specialists have developed theories that help to deal with matters arising around human psychology and health. The theories have given rise to successive treatments that has seen thousands of psychological challenges solved. One such case is the cognitive behavioral theory.

These challenges are mostly triggered by stimuli, which offset the emotional balance. These can be highly accumulated stresses, extreme emotions that can lead to depression among many others. The theory therefore, combines medical memoirs, medical records on patients’ conditions, treatment methods and response, observation and scholarly studies in formulating a befitting treatment strategy to this unique psychological problem. It also includes the cognitive behavioral research, which is anchored on observations on behavioral changes with respect to environment or by influence of stimuli. In addition, this is subjected to the resultant reaction in regard to cognition with the methodological rigor.

The cognitive behavioral theory has no real definition but is understood to help in understanding human behavior and cognitive applications in order to best apply appropriate treatments. The theory dwells in two areas of human psychology. The first one is the behavioral problems that might be triggered by both internal and external stimuli. The emotional balance is based on the triple response mode.

The concept tries to explain the relationship between the three main foundations of human psychology. These are behaviors, feelings and thoughts. The concept tries to explain on how the triple some state of mind coordinates to bring about stability and normalcy in ones mind. The cognitive behavioral theory is therefore important in formulation of psychology therapies and counseling sessions and techniques. This is the reason as to why a technique that is derived from concepts based on the cognitive behavioral theory have proven to be effective in treatment of mental disorders. One therapy that has been made possible by the cognitive behavioral theory is the cognitive therapy. This therapy combines both cognitive and behavioral research to inform its strategies. It employs the psychotherapeutic approaches it its execution. This involves talking to the patient in a goal oriented therapy session. The therapy has established success in treatment of disorders such as drugs influence, loss of appetite or poor eating habits, mood swings and even anxiety. This underscores the importance of the cognitive behavioral theory and the ongoing research to make it more functional and effective in medical applications.

Typically a psychotherapeutic advance towards behavioral treatment. Cognitive behavioral theory is still not recognized as an actual, scientifically proven treatment by many specialists, but it has been known to work rather well. It is all about psychosis, how we think, how we fell, how we relate to other people and the ultimate effects of these interactions to our mental wellbeing. It approaches from the premise that our thoughts, and frame of mind have an adverse effect on how we behave, feel, and relate to other people. It also emphasizes that external factors do not quite have the same level of influence.

CBT, as it is commonly abbreviated, has the function of convincing people that it is possible to change how you think, even if the situation is a tricky one, and emphasizes the ability to be positive no matter how bad the situation is. It is one of the fastest behavioral treatments, with as little as 16 sessions being highly effective. It is not a forever thing, which is a plus for patience who are looking for a quick remedy. It should be noted however, that CBT is not some rapid ‘high’ program, and in some cases, depending on the severity, the treatment may go up to 6months!

The most important aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Theory is the self-counseling bit. The level of expertise of any therapist is in his/her ability to teach a person to change his/her way of thinking into a more optimistically oriented mind frame. This is the basis for successful treatment. A good therapist-patient relationship is important, of course, but the therapy only works, if and when the patient can change his/her thinking and maintain it, without supervision.

The cognitive Behavioral theory is a product of inductive logic. It puts our thoughts at mere guesses of situations as opposed to based on facts as they ought to be. This denotes thoughts as being questionable and remedied to prevent misinterpretations of situations. Once these thoughts are tested and disproved, then they can be rectified.

Psychotherapy is not a quick fix, by any means. It involves a lot of discipline, patience and the desire to change. CBT, if properly undertaken, has been known to be the best remedy for depression and anxiety among many other behavioral disorders. Therefore, it is important to be patient and follow the particular steps to help you change how you think.