Explain the ABC model used in REBT and how it guides intervention.

• A. Activating event, Beliefs about the event, Consequences (emotional/behavioral); the therapist disputes irrational beliefs to change emotional outcomes.
• B. A Behavior, B Consequences, C Thoughts; the therapist uses exposure only.
• C. A Anxiety, B Beliefs, C Coping; the therapist uses homework.
• D. A Action, B Biases, C Cognitions; the therapist uses time-limited problem solving.

Answer: (B)

In REBT, the focus is on how our beliefs about an activating event shape our emotional and behavioral responses. An activating event is what happens or isn’t happening; Beliefs are the interpretations we attach to that event; Consequences are the resulting emotional and behavioral outcomes. The intervention centers on disputing irrational beliefs to change those emotional outcomes. For example, if a student misses a deadline (activating event) and the belief is “I must always be perfect; if I fail, I’m worthless,” the emotional consequence might be anxiety and avoidance. The therapist helps challenge that rigid belief—using logical, empirical, and practical disputing—to show it’s not true or not necessary and to replace it with more flexible, realistic beliefs. Once the beliefs become more flexible, the emotional and behavioral responses shift toward healthier patterns, such as reduced anxiety and increased proactivity.

This description matches the option that identifies the sequence as activating event, beliefs, and consequences, with the intervention aimed at disputing irrational beliefs to alter emotional outcomes. The other options don’t fit REBT’s framework, as they either mix up the components or describe approaches not central to this model (for example, behavior-first sequences or exposure-focused strategies).