Question

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as a prominent treatment approach for depression and anxiety disorders. By focusing on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling individuals to challenge and replace unhelpful thinking patterns with more positive and realistic perspectives. Which of the following must be true for this conclusion to be properly drawn?

• A. CBT is effective for all mental health disorders.
• B. CBT requires medication in conjunction with therapy.
• C. CBT aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• D. CBT is solely focused on past traumatic experiences.
• E. CBT is a short-term therapy with limited long-term benefits.

Hint:

Negate each option and see whether the stated CBT mechanism still works. The necessary choice is the one whose denial destroys the link between therapy and improved coping.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identify the conclusion of the passage.
The passage concludes that CBT improves well-being by enabling individuals to challenge and replace unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors with healthier ones.
Step 2: Understand what a “must be true” question requires.
A must-be-true statement is an assumption that is absolutely necessary for the conclusion to logically follow from the given information.
Step 3: Evaluate the options.
Option (A) is too extreme and is not stated or required by the passage.
Option (B) introduces medication, which is not mentioned in the passage.
Option (C) directly restates the core mechanism described in the passage and is essential for the conclusion to hold.
Option (D) is incorrect because CBT focuses on present thought patterns, not solely on past trauma.
Option (E) adds an unsupported limitation that is not required for the conclusion.
Step 4: Final logical requirement.
For CBT to improve well-being by changing perspectives and behaviors, it must aim to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]

Answer 2

Concept:

• Use the contradiction test: negate an option and ask whether the passage can still support its conclusion.
• A necessary statement is one whose denial breaks the described mechanism.

Step 1: State the mechanism used in the passage.
CBT improves coping and well-being by identifying and modifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Step 2: Negate the direct mechanism option.
If CBT did not aim to change negative thought patterns and behaviours, the passage could not explain how it produces healthier coping responses.
Therefore, option C must be true.

Step 3: Test the remaining claims.
The passage can remain valid without CBT treating every disorder, without medication, without focusing only on past trauma, and without having limited long-term benefits.
Those claims are either extreme or additional, so none is necessary.

Final Answer: CBT aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours, option C.