In ACT, which technique involves separating from thoughts to lessen their impact?

In ACT, which technique involves separating from thoughts to lessen their impact?

• A. Free association
• B. Cognitive defusion
• C. Systematic desensitization
• D. Cognitive restructuring

Answer: (B)

Cognitive defusion is the ACT technique that helps separate from thoughts to lessen their impact. In ACT, thoughts are treated as mental events rather than facts you must act on. Defusion practices create distance so you can observe thoughts, label them as just thoughts, or picture them as passing images, which reduces the urge to react as if they were true. This lets you choose actions aligned with your values instead of being driven by the content of thoughts. It’s different from cognitive restructuring, which aims to change the content of thoughts to be more rational. Free association is a psychoanalytic method focused on uncovering hidden associations, not a standard ACT tool. Systematic desensitization targets fear through gradual exposure and relaxation, not altering how you relate to your thoughts.

Cognitive defusion is the ACT technique that helps separate from thoughts to lessen their impact. In ACT, thoughts are treated as mental events rather than facts you must act on. Defusion practices create distance so you can observe thoughts, label them as just thoughts, or picture them as passing images, which reduces the urge to react as if they were true. This lets you choose actions aligned with your values instead of being driven by the content of thoughts. It’s different from cognitive restructuring, which aims to change the content of thoughts to be more rational. Free association is a psychoanalytic method focused on uncovering hidden associations, not a standard ACT tool. Systematic desensitization targets fear through gradual exposure and relaxation, not altering how you relate to your thoughts.