Meera, a 24-year-old trainee at a Pune software firm, was often neglected by her parents as a child. Last month her team leader mocked her presentation in front of the whole team. Since then she keeps thinking "I am stupid" and "I will not succeed", and feels anxious before every meeting. Her psychologist first noted what Meera does before, during and after meetings, and then chose a mix of methods suited to her. These include deep-breathing relaxation, gentle questions such as "What does it mean to you to succeed?", practice of short presentations, and a move to a more supportive team. The psychologist explains each method to Meera and plans about 15 sessions.
In Aaron Beck's theory, the team leader mocking Meera in front of the team acts as which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A critical incident
Option (1) A critical incident — Correct. In Beck's theory, a critical incident is a later life event that triggers an old core schema. Being mocked by the team leader matches the book's case of a child ridiculed by a teacher in public.
Option (2) A core schema — Incorrect. A core schema is a set of beliefs formed in childhood through family and society. Meera's neglect as a child built such a schema; the recent mocking is an event.
Option (3) A negative automatic thought — Incorrect. Negative automatic thoughts are persistent irrational thoughts such as "I am stupid". In Meera's case they come after the mocking; they are thoughts.
Option (4) A dysfunctional cognitive structure — Incorrect. Dysfunctional cognitive structures are patterns of thinking that distort reality in a negative way. They are ways of thinking inside the person, so they cannot describe the team leader's act.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Therapy … |