Posted by MattDDS on July 10, 2002, at 14:27:34
In reply to Re: Positive experiences with cognitive therapy, posted by Mark H. on July 10, 2002, at 11:22:38
Hey Mark,
I am not sure about the relationship between cognition and emotion either! This has been
one of the most perplexing things to me. However, one thing I am relatively sure of is
that it is not a one-way street. You stated that you disagree with this premise in CBT.
I would tend to agree with you. My experience, as well, has been that feelings sometimes
tend to precede the cognitions surrounding them. Perhaps the cognition is our attempt
to ascribe meaning to the emotion.The interplay between cognition / behavior / emotion is much more likely reciprocal and
extremely complex than a simple one way relationship. I think the reason the effects of
cognition on emotion and behavior are stressed so much in CBT is that we can't really
control emotion directly! In other words, since we can't attack emotion directly (other
than with medication, perhaps) we focus on the variables of the equation that we have some
control over (cognition and behavior).What you mentioned about 'reality' is right in line with the ideas I have. Especially
about morals and values. I have a tough time believing that there is really some 'ultimate
reality'. This can be said of simple things, you gave the example of the orange, and even
more so of extremely complex things, e.g. what is 'right' or 'wrong'. Things that I find
reprehensible may seem completely acceptable and even praiseworthy to others. Who is 'right'?
And what is the path that all of us can follow to reach the same conclusions?I think a common fear is that, if we loosen or broaden our beliefs, we will become monsters!
I believe the opposite is true, tragedy usually arises from a strong belief in moral
absolutes. Take me for example. I loosened and even abandoned many of my tightly held
religious beliefs some time ago. Despite this, I have not yet taken to promiscuity, dishonesty,
drinking alcohol, using drugs or any other of the things I was conditioned to fear.That does not mean that it is wrong for us to protect our interests (e.g. the war on terror
or cracking down on corporate dishonesty). We can still even defend what we feel is 'right'.
And most of us agree, at least to some extent, on what is good or bad.Language arose to fill a specific need at specific times, and was not meant to serve as a
reflection of 'reality'. Even in science, we do not really 'know' anything. We have useful
theories that can accurately predict some phenomena, and serve us well for practical purposes.
Whether these theories are 'right' is another story.How does this all relate to CBT? Like you said, it shifts the focus from what is 'right', to
what is likely to be helpful. Is my belief that 'I am a worthwhile human being' 'right' or
'wrong'? I don't even know what that question means! I believe this because it serves a
purpose for me, to give me a sense of meaning and makes life a little more comfortable and
enjoyable. And hell, if Osama bin Laden or Hitler can believe themselves to be worthwhile,
why can't I?Take care,
Matt
poster:MattDDS
thread:538
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020702/msgs/571.html