What is the outcome of changing one's appraisal in cognitive therapy?

• A. It can lead to improved emotional responses and behaviors.
• B. It has no effect on mood.
• C. It worsens anxiety.
• D. It changes genetics.

Answer: (A)

In cognitive therapy, the key idea is that emotions and actions are sparked by how we interpret or appraise events. When you change that interpretation, you typically change how you feel and how you respond. For example, if you interpret a minor social mistake as evidence you’re always failing, you’ll likely feel anxious and withdraw. If you reframe it as a common slip that most people make and can be addressed with practice, the anxiety lessens and you’re more likely to engage anyway. So changing appraisal can directly lead to better moods and more adaptive behaviors.

The other options don’t fit the idea: mood isn’t immune to appraisal changes, and CBT aims to improve mood—not worsen it. Genetics aren’t altered by cognitive changes.