Which statement best describes the focus of CBT and DBT?

Which statement best describes the focus of CBT and DBT?

• A. CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviors; DBT focuses on emotions.
• B. DBT focuses on environment; CBT focuses on medication.
• C. CBT focuses on sleep; DBT focuses on diet.
• D. CBT is group-based; DBT is individual.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is how CBT and DBT differ in their focus. Cognitive-behavioral therapy concentrates on how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, using strategies to identify and change distorted thinking and related actions. Dialectical behavior therapy builds on CBT but places a distinct emphasis on regulating intense emotions, tolerating distress, and developing interpersonal effectiveness, often incorporating mindfulness skills. Therefore, describing CBT as focusing on thoughts and behaviors and DBT as focusing on emotions captures their primary aims. The other suggestion—linking CBT to sleep or DBT to diet, or framing them around environment or medication, or group versus individual format—does not reflect their core aims, even though these elements may appear in practice.

The main idea tested is how CBT and DBT differ in their focus. Cognitive-behavioral therapy concentrates on how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, using strategies to identify and change distorted thinking and related actions. Dialectical behavior therapy builds on CBT but places a distinct emphasis on regulating intense emotions, tolerating distress, and developing interpersonal effectiveness, often incorporating mindfulness skills. Therefore, describing CBT as focusing on thoughts and behaviors and DBT as focusing on emotions captures their primary aims. The other suggestion—linking CBT to sleep or DBT to diet, or framing them around environment or medication, or group versus individual format—does not reflect their core aims, even though these elements may appear in practice.