1 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 4 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory by Paula S. Nurius and Rebecca J. Macy Cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) is among the most widely adopted and versatile approaches to social work practice. CBT is exceptionally well-supported by empirical literature, in terms of the quantity and quality of outcome studies with positive results. The central premise of CBT is that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are inextricably linked and that each of these aspects of human functioning continuously effects and influences the others. Although CBT processes are said to be similar across people, the content of one’s thoughts, behaviors, and feelings is unique and specific to each person.

2 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 4 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory by Paula S. Nurius and Rebecca J. Macy Early developers of CBT included individuals such as Albert Ellis, Aaron beck, Albert Bandura, Donald Meichenbaum, and Joseph Cautela. CBT differs from pure behavioral accounts by positing that more than one’s environment affects one’s behavior. Rather there is a reciprocal determinism occurring wherein one is an active participant in shaping one’s own development as well as being affected by the environment, in a continual transaction between person and his or her world. CBT holds that: 1.Cognitive activity affects behavior. 2.Cognitive activity can be monitored and altered. 3.Desired behavioral change can be affected by cognitive change.

3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 4 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory by Paula S. Nurius and Rebecca J. Macy CBT stresses a mediational model, where environmental experiences are seen as not directly shaping behavior, but rather undergo a cognitive filtering process where these experiences are subjected to meaning making, influenced by one’s automatic thoughts, underlying assumptions and rules, and core beliefs. This is not usually a linear process. By directing attention to and modifying problematic thoughts and underlying schemas that thwart our efforts to meet our needs and pursue our goals, we can also change and direct our emotions and behaviors to better meet those goals.

4 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 4 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory by Paula S. Nurius and Rebecca J. Macy Person-in-environment interactions are essential in how CBT understands problems in human functioning. It is the combination of psychological and situational factors that are contributing to an individual’s distress, which sets CBT apart from the more strict environmental determinism of solely behavioral approaches. Core Beliefs are hypothetical deeper cognitive structures that carry the content of what individuals believe to be fundamentally true about themselves and their world. Cognitive Errors refers to a pattern of unhelpful cognitive responding. Examples include magnifying problems, jumping to conclusions, discounting positives, mind reading, all-or-nothing thinking, and over-generalizing.

5 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 4 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory by Paula S. Nurius and Rebecca J. Macy Among the newer forms of CBT are acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and integrative behavioral couples therapy. Assessment in CBT may involve techniques such as the think-aloud method, where the client verbalizes their thoughts as they work through some situation, task, or role play. Self-monitoring involves systematically keeping track of one’s ideas and thoughts in real-life settings, and to bring these notes to treatment sessions where they can be discussed with the social worker.