Running Head: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THEORY VERSUS RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIORAL THEORY 1

Transcription

1 Running Head: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THEORY VERSUS RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIORAL THEORY 1 Cognitive Behavioral Theory versus Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory Student s Name Institutional Affiliation

2 THEORY 2 Introduction Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) addresses the significance of cognition in shaping changes of behavior portrayed by an individual. In contrast, rational emotive behavioral theory (REBT) elaborates the significance of a person s thoughts in influencing the person s feelings. This paper seeks to address the similarities along with differences that cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) has from rational emotive behavioral theory (REBT). The similarity between CBT and REBT The basis of the cognitive behavioral theory is the perception that the thoughts of individuals, their feelings, along with their actions all interrelate. Ideally, people s thoughts, persuade their feelings, along with their behavior according to Cheli (2017). Consequently, when an individual has negative thoughts, the thoughts lead to the individual experiencing distress which later develops into greater health problems. In comparison, the basis of the rational emotive behavioral theory is the perception that the thoughts that an individual has persuaded the way the individual will feel. Mainly, rational emotive behavioral theory advocates for the use of rational thinking in developing healthy emotions along with behavior according to Turner (2016). Generally, the two theories CBT and REBT form their basis from the perception that how individuals think relates to the way they are going to feel. Furthermore, the two theories focus on the advocating for rational thinking. The difference between CBT and REBT The first dissimilarity is the view of anger by the two theories. CBT argues that a little anger is appropriate and healthy. In comparison, REBT argues that despite the form of anger all

3 THEORY 3 anger has an authoritative core, reproachful foundation, autocratic core along with a philosophic foundation. Consequently, CBT does not effectively uproot philosophic sources of anger (Hays, 2014). However, REBT is effective in providing appropriate replacements to anger. The second dissimilarity involves unconditional self-acceptance. REBT centers on providing well-designed solutions to the setback of self-esteem through educating people unconditional self-acceptance. Contrary to REBT, CBT centers on highlighting all positive qualities that an individual has. Notably, self-acceptance is an essential tool for a mental health counselor in guiding clients on how to avoid developing low self-esteem. The third dissimilarity between the two theories is that rational emotive behavioral theory attracts attention to the significance of secondary disturbance. Consistent with REBT, people who bother themselves about their bother eventually develop lifelong depression, relentless anxiety or panic attacks. In distinction, CBT does not pay any attention to the significance of secondary disturbance. For this reason, a mental health counselor who employs REBT will have ease in explaining to his or her clients that their anxiety of appearing as anxious in a meeting with their boss means tormenting oneself about tormenting. The best version of cognitive behavioral therapy to use Based on the information provided above regarding the two theories, REBT appears to be the most favorable behavioral therapy to clients hence the most appropriate to utilize. According to Park & Jung (2014), REBT utilizes systematic desensitization. Therefore, if a counselor uses REBT, he or she will have ease in spotting the actions likely to produce negative emotions along with responses. Additionally, REBT allows the counselor to identify the core beliefs associated with the emotions of an individual or the responses he or she gives in behavior. In consequence, a counselor is able to easily generate a plan of recognizing and replacing the negative beliefs of their clients with practical affirmations.

4 THEORY 4 Conclusion Promotion of rational thinking is the main idea behind both CBT along with REBT. Nonetheless, the theories have dissimilarities on a number of factors such as the view of anger. An analysis of the two theories reveals that REBT is better suited to counselors in providing therapy to clients.

5 THEORY 5 References Cheli, S. (2017). CBT waves through the lens of Complex Systems Theory: A tentative way toward integration and sustainability. European Psychiatry, 41, S717. Hays, P. (2014). An International Perspective on the Adaptation of CBT Across Cultures. Australian Psychologist, 49(1), Park, S., & Jung, T. (2014). The Effect of REBT Group Counseling Utilizing Horticultural Activity on Self-Esteem and Depression in Middle-Aged Women. Journal Of Korea Society For Plants People And Environment, 17(5), Turner, M. (2016). Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Irrational and Rational Beliefs, and the Mental Health of Athletes. Frontiers In Psychology, 07.