Which is an intervention used in Cognitive Theory?

• A. Cognitive restructuring
• B. Self-instruction training
• C. Relaxation training
• D. Exposure therapy

Answer: (B)

Self-instruction training embodies the idea that changing the way people talk themselves through a task can change how they act. In cognitive theory, thoughts shape feelings and behavior, so teaching individuals to use purposeful self-talk to plan steps, monitor progress, and guide actions is a direct cognitive intervention. The approach typically starts with the clinician modeling the speech, then the client describing aloud what they’ll say, and finally using covert inner speech as they perform the task. This strengthens self-regulation and problem-solving by turning cognitive processes into concrete behavioral strategies. Relaxation training focuses on reducing physiological arousal rather than changing thoughts; exposure therapy works mainly through behavioral habituation to feared situations; cognitive restructuring targets changing distorted beliefs, which is cognitive but SIT specifically emphasizes the self-instructional process as a way to control behavior.