According to the cognitive model, what primarily influences emotions and behavior?

The cognitive model posits that our emotions and behaviors are primarily influenced by how we perceive and interpret situations rather than the situations themselves. This perspective emphasizes that individuals may react differently to the same external event based on their thoughts, beliefs, and cognitive frameworks. For instance, two people may face the same challenging situation, but their emotional responses and behaviors could vary greatly depending on their individual interpretations, leading to different outcomes.

This view highlights the importance of cognitive processes in mental health and psychotherapy. It suggests that by changing maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive distortions, individuals can alter their emotional responses and subsequent behaviors. This understanding is fundamental in therapeutic practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to help individuals identify and reframe negative thoughts to promote healthier emotions and actions.

In contrast, internal forces, external events, and genetic predisposition, while they can all play roles in influencing behavior and emotion, are not central to the cognitive model’s explanation. Instead, the model focuses specifically on how one's perception shapes emotional experiences and behavioral responses.