Describe activity scheduling and its role in CBT for depression.

• A. A plan of daily activities designed to create routine, mastery, and positive reinforcement.
• B. A diary of past events.
• C. A list of cognitive distortions.
• D. A pharmacotherapy plan.

Answer: (A)

Activity scheduling is a behavioral activation technique in CBT for depression. It involves creating a plan of daily activities ahead of time to establish a predictable routine, foster a sense of mastery, and provide positive reinforcement when tasks are completed. By systematically scheduling activities that are enjoyable or meaningful, patients increase contact with rewarding experiences, reduce avoidance, and gradually raise overall activity levels, which tends to lift mood.

This approach isn’t about journaling past events, which is a different self-monitoring method. It also isn’t about listing cognitive distortions for restructuring, nor is it a pharmacotherapy plan.