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 the rationale of this therapy, the deep-breathing relaxation that Meera practises addresses which aspect of her distress?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Biological aspects
Option (1) Spiritual aspects — Incorrect. Spiritual aspects are not one of the three realms in CBT. Spiritual anxiety belongs to Frankl's logotherapy, which deals with meaning in life.
Option (2) Psychological aspects — Incorrect. Psychological aspects are handled by behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy techniques. In Meera's case these are the gentle questions and the practice presentations.
Option (3) Social aspects — Incorrect. Social aspects are handled by environmental manipulations. Moving Meera to a more supportive team is the social part of her plan.
Option (4) Biological aspects — Correct. CBT holds that distress has biological, psychological and social origins. Relaxation procedures address the biological aspects, so Meera's breathing exercise works on the body side of her distress.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy … |