Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What is a component of the Cognitive Triad of Depression?

1. Feeling overly confident about future achievements

2. Having a negative view of oneself

3. Believing the world is a perfect place

4. Feeling supported by friends and family

The correct answer is: Having a negative view of oneself

The Cognitive Triad of Depression, a concept developed by Aaron Beck, consists of three interconnected negative thought patterns that are central to understanding cognitive theories of depression. These include negative thoughts about oneself, negative thoughts about the world, and negative thoughts about the future. A component of this triad is having a negative view of oneself. This reflects a pervasive belief that one is inadequate, unworthy, or a failure. Such negative self-perceptions are crucial in the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms, as they can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Individuals with depression often struggle with self-criticism, which can exacerbate their condition. In contrast, the other options do not align with the Cognitive Triad. Feeling overly confident about future achievements, believing the world is a perfect place, and feeling supported by friends and family represent positive or neutral cognitive patterns rather than the negative schemas that characterize depression. Thus, the identification of a negative view of oneself as part of the Cognitive Triad highlights the importance of addressing self-perceptions in therapeutic contexts for effective treatment of depression.