Cognitive theory suggests that a person’s thoughts control their actions, personality, and circumstances. Behaviors are a result of internal thoughts that can be controlled and changed through recognizing and correcting destructive tendencies. Mood disorders can be treated with cognitive therapy, and meditation can encourage new thought patterns. The theory is similar to Eastern religious concepts and gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Criticisms include the complexity of the thought process and the influence of external feedback.
Cognitive theory is based on the premise that a person’s thoughts control his actions, his personality and, to some extent, his circumstances. It is an area of psychology in stark contrast to behavioral theory, which states that there is an interrelationship between an individual’s behaviors and their physical environment. Some psychologists merge the two theories to form what is called cognitive behavioral theory. One of the most controversial aspects of cognitive theory is the idea that severe mood disorders can be altered by thought patterns.
The main idea behind cognitive theory is that an individual becomes what he thinks. Behaviors are the direct result of internal thoughts, which can be controlled. The theory holds that thought processes and patterns can be changed if a person learns to recognize and correct destructive tendencies. For example, a person’s personality and identity can be reshaped through thought manifestation.
Indeed, some would go so far as to say that the circumstances and outcomes of one’s entire life can be directly controlled through the thought process. According to cognitive theory, one way to encourage and unlock new thought patterns is through meditation. Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have been shown to respond to cognitive forms of therapy. Some experts agree that cognitive therapy is a more effective treatment method than antidepressants alone.
In some ways, cognitive theory is similar to Eastern religious concepts, especially those found in Buddhist teachings. Sayings such as “I think, therefore I am” and “we become our thoughts” reflect the theory. It is the idea that a person’s outer expression is the result of their inner one.
Cognitive theory began to gain traction in the 1980s and 1990s. Many self-help resources are built around the idea of changing a person’s life and mood through a change in thought patterns. For example, happiness will continue to elude those who think they are unhappy or who don’t see the positives in their situations. Criticisms of this theory revolve around the idea that the thought process is too complex and abstract to fully understand.
Some might argue that an individual’s thought process is influenced not only by his own perceptions, but by the perceptions of others in his environment. Feedback, especially criticism, may stimulate thoughts that are beyond the control of the person receiving it. While that person can certainly attempt to change those thought patterns and reframe how criticism is processed, those negative thought patterns may unintentionally resurface. A further criticism of cognitive theory is that it is relatively indefinite and difficult to apply to the population as a whole.
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