Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Thought patterns refer to the habitual ways in which individuals think and process information. They are the recurring cognitive processes that influence how people interpret and respond to situations.
This is a therapeutic technique used to help individuals identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts, replacing them with more rational and positive ones.
These are biased or exaggerated ways of thinking that can contribute to negative emotions or maladaptive behaviors. Examples include black-and-white thinking (seeing things as all good or all bad) and overgeneralization (drawing broad conclusions based on limited evidence).
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): This approach combines elements of cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques, helping individuals become aware of their thoughts without judgment and learning to respond more adaptively.