In cognitive-behavioral therapy, what term describes automatic negative thoughts about the self that are not supported by evidence?

• A. Automatic thoughts
• B. Cognitive restructuring
• C. Transference
• D. Projection

Answer: (A)

In CBT, automatic thoughts are spontaneous, unexamined interpretations about oneself or situations that pop up in the moment. They’re often negative and distortive, and they aren’t grounded in objective evidence, which is why they can fuel distress and maintain maladaptive emotions or behaviors. The term described here captures those quick, self-referential judgments that arise without deliberate reflection, and they’re the focus of the cognitive techniques used to challenge and modify them.

Cognitive restructuring is the coaching process used to examine and reframe these thoughts to be more accurate. Transference involves emotions or attitudes toward the therapist based on past relationships, a concept from psychodynamic theory. Projection is when a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.