Which statement about coping self-statements is accurate?

• A. They are used to critique the therapist's interpretations.
• B. Positive affirmations or reminders that help manage stress and negative thoughts.
• C. They are a form of exposure therapy.
• D. They are optional and rarely used in CBT.

Answer: (B)

Coping self-statements are positive internal reminders that help people manage stress and challenge negative thinking. In CBT, individuals practice short, supportive phrases like “I can handle this,” “This feeling will pass,” or “I can learn from this” to counter automatic negative thoughts and stay engaged in coping actions. These statements reduce distress by increasing perceived control and self-efficacy, and they support cognitive restructuring by reframing how a situation is interpreted. They aren’t used to critique the therapist’s interpretations—that’s part of the collaborative dialogue about thoughts, not self-guided coping. They aren’t a form of exposure therapy, though they can be used alongside exposure to tolerate anxiety. And they’re not optional or rarely used; they’re a common, central tool in CBT to help clients regulate emotions and persist with challenging tasks.