How do CBT and ACT differ in aims and techniques?

• A. ACT emphasizes acceptance, cognitive defusion, values-based action, and committed behavior change.
• B. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors.
• C. CBT uses mindfulness alone; ACT uses cognitive restructuring and exposure.
• D. CBT avoids behavior change; ACT only changes beliefs.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that CBT centers on altering the content of thoughts and the associated behaviors to reduce distress, using techniques like cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and exposure. This aligns with CBT’s goal of changing maladaptive thinking patterns to produce behavior change and symptom relief. ACT, in contrast, aims to increase psychological flexibility through acceptance of thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion (seeing thoughts as just thoughts), mindfulness, and actions guided by personal values. Among the options, describing CBT as focusing on changing thoughts and behaviors accurately captures CBT’s typical approach and distinguishes it from ACT’s emphasis on changing one’s relationship to thoughts rather than their content. The other statements misstate how CBT or ACT operate—for example, ACT is not simply about mindfulness or solely about changing beliefs, and CBT does not avoid behavior change.