Which term describes the sequence Activating Event, Beliefs, and Consequences used in certain cognitive therapies?

• A. ABC
• B. REBT Therapy ABC
• C. Gestalt Techniques
• D. Solution-Focused Therapy Techniques

Answer: (B)

The sequence Activating Event, Beliefs, and Consequences is the ABC framework used in cognitive therapies to show how how we interpret events drives our emotions and actions. The term that names this sequence in the context of its most well-known application is REBT Therapy ABC, because this labeling ties the model directly to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and its approach to disputing irrational beliefs.

In practice, an activating event occurs, followed by a belief about that event, which then produces emotional and behavioral consequences. For example, missing a deadline (activating event) can lead to the belief “I’m a complete failure,” which then causes feelings of anxiety and avoidance. By identifying and disputing irrational beliefs, a more adaptive belief can replace the old one, leading to healthier emotions and actions.

Gestalt techniques focus on present awareness and contact with immediate experience, not on this cognitive sequence. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on building solutions and future goals rather than analyzing the A-B-C chain, so it doesn’t name this sequence in the same way.