Which statement best reflects the general aim of cognitive therapy?

• A. To modify distorted thoughts and beliefs that lead to emotional distress.
• B. To increase physical endurance.
• C. To rely solely on pharmacology.
• D. To ignore cognitive processes.

Answer: (A)

Because cognitive therapy rests on the idea that our emotions are shaped by how we think about events, the general aim is to help people identify distorted or unhelpful beliefs and learn to challenge and replace them with more accurate, flexible thoughts. Through techniques like cognitive restructuring and thought records, clients examine evidence for and against their automatic thoughts, test their validity, and develop healthier interpretations, which reduces distress and supports more adaptive behavior. The other options don’t fit because cognitive therapy isn’t about building physical endurance, it doesn’t rely on drugs as the primary tool, and it specifically focuses on cognitive processes rather than ignoring them.