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:

In must-be-true questions, select the option without which the argument would collapse. Avoid extreme or additional claims not required by the passage.

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:
\[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]