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Cognitive structures, cognitive processes, and cognitive-behavior modification: I. client issues

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Abstract

Experimental research on cognitive structures and cognitive processes has important implications for the practice of cognitive-behavior modification. The concept of schemata, knowledge structures that guide cognitive processing, is introduced. Self-schemata, particularly important in the maintenance of maladaptive behavior patterns, are described and related to the construct of self-efficacy. Following this discussion, various cognitive processes, particularly shortcomings in human judgment arising from these cognitive structures (e.g., selective attention, confirmatory biases, egocentric biases, availability and representativeness heuristics, and illusory correlation) are presented. Similarly, research on the interaction of affect and cognition as well as research on metacognition is noted.

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Some of the material in this article is based on ideas developed in D. C. Turk and M. A. Speers (1983), Cognitive schemata and cognitive processes in cognitive-behavioral interventions: Going beyond the information given. In P. C. Kendall (Ed.),Advances in cognitive-behavioral research and therapy (Vol. 2). New York: Academic Press.

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Turk, D.C., Salovey, P. Cognitive structures, cognitive processes, and cognitive-behavior modification: I. client issues. Cogn Ther Res 9, 1–17 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01178747

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