In developing CBT, Aaron Beck theorized that which of the following determines how we feel?

In developing CBT, Aaron Beck theorized that which of the following determines how we feel?

• A. How we think
• B. How we act
• C. The environment
• D. Our dreams

Answer: (A)

Emotions arise from the way we think about what’s happening. Beck’s CBT view is that it’s not the events themselves that determine how we feel, but our interpretations of them—the automatic thoughts, core beliefs, and cognitive patterns we hold. When those thoughts are negative or distorted, they produce negative emotions and guide behaviors in unhelpful ways. By teaching clients to identify, challenge, and reframe these thoughts, therapists help shift feelings and subsequent actions. The environment and our behaviors matter, but in this framework they influence emotions only through the meanings we give to them. Dreams aren’t a central mechanism in Beck’s model.

Emotions arise from the way we think about what’s happening. Beck’s CBT view is that it’s not the events themselves that determine how we feel, but our interpretations of them—the automatic thoughts, core beliefs, and cognitive patterns we hold. When those thoughts are negative or distorted, they produce negative emotions and guide behaviors in unhelpful ways. By teaching clients to identify, challenge, and reframe these thoughts, therapists help shift feelings and subsequent actions. The environment and our behaviors matter, but in this framework they influence emotions only through the meanings we give to them. Dreams aren’t a central mechanism in Beck’s model.