A Historical and Theoretical Review of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies: From Structural Self-Knowledge to Functional Processes

Abstract

This paper critically examines the historical conceptualization of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy approaches (CBT) as a direct clinical counterpart of the cognitive revolution. The main “second wave” cognitive psychotherapies, either standard cognitive therapy (CT) or constructivist, in spite of their differences, share a common conceptualization of psychopathological factors as superordinate structural cognitive content belonging to the self: self-beliefs, self-schemata, personality organizations and so on. On the other hand, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is an exception given that in REBT self-knowledge is not the core psychopathological tenet, being rather a derivate mechanism. Moreover, in non clinical cognitive science cognition is conceived as a regulatory function that operates retroactively and not in a hierarchically super- ordered fashion centered on the self. A historical review suggests that in both CT and constructivist model the structuralistic model of self-centered cognition may have emerged for both cultural and scientific reasons: self-centered cognitive models may be more readily understandable to clinicians as they allow for a straightforward identification of operationalizable self-beliefs. The emergence of new “third wave” process-centered CBT approaches may represent a comeback to functionalism, where cognition is considered again a regulatory function and not a structure. In addition, REBT’s interest in dysfunctional evaluations not focused on the self presaged this clinical and scientific turning point toward functionalism.

Clinical practice guidelines based on evidence for cognitive‐behavioural therapy in Parkinson's disease comorbidities: A literature review

“…The more interesting fact is, CBT is so well explained and standardized, that there is almost no difference if we offer personal or group‐based CBT interventions (Cuijpers, van Straten, & Warmerdam, 2008; Epstein et al, 2018; Kodal et al, 2018; Wolgensinger, 2015). The main premise of CBT treatment is that the way how we think about certain situations and how we behave in them will affect how we feel about them (Ruggiero, Spada, Caselli, & Sassaroli, 2018). Based on that, the main goal of CBT would be to offer cognitive and behavioural strategies and techniques to change someone's thoughts, beliefs, expectations, attitudes, and behaviour towards ourselves, others, and/or living conditions.…”

Assessing beliefs about emotion generation and change: The conceptualisation, development, and validation of the Cognitive Mediation Beliefs Questionnaire (CMBQ)

“…The process model of emotion regulation is relevant to psychopathology (Sheppes et al, 2015), and to psychotherapies implementing cognitive change (e.g., Hofmann et al, 2012). Cognitive change, as presented in Gross' (2014) process model, is predicated on the axiomatic principle imbedded within second-wave cognitive behavioural psychotherapies (CBTs), that cognitions mediate between the environment and our emotional responses (Mahoney, 1974;Ruggiero et al, 2018). In other words, in the face of an adverse situation, our thoughts about the event largely determines our emotional reactions.…”

Efficacy of trial-based cognitive therapy, behavioral activation and treatment as usual in the treatment of major depressive disorder: preliminary findings from a randomized clinical trial

“…21,32,33 A division of the components of CBT has suggested that BA components of CBT work as well as cognitive mechanisms, such as cognitive restructuring of dysfunctional CBs; 34 a finding that has been replicated. 23 In the past 60 years, several approaches have been influenced by behavioral and cognitive therapies, such as conventional CBT, a label that encompasses several protocols emphasizing cognitive mediation, 14,[35][36][37] such as schema therapy, compassion-focused therapy, behavioral activation, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, etc., and, in the last 10 years, trial based-cognitive therapy (TBCT). These psychotherapy models are differentiated by both the theories and the ways of approaching behaviors and thoughts.…”

“…These psychotherapy models are differentiated by both the theories and the ways of approaching behaviors and thoughts. 35,38 TBCT was developed in Brazil, based on Aaron Beck's CBT model, but with its own case conceptualization and techniques. Among TBCT distinctive features, the following can be underscored: it provides an integrative conceptualization of psychopathology; presents a set of step-by-step cognitive and behavioral techniques; introduces a new systematic approach to change dysfunctional core beliefs; it was designed as an overall easy-to-remember case-formulation model both for the therapist and the patient; integrating cognitive, emotional, and experiential work simultaneously.…”