Question

which of the following persons is engaging in cognitive redefinition?

select one
a. ted lectures himself about not getting medical treatment sooner.
b. maggie tells herself that she is much better off than alice because her own condition is not as serious.
c. carlos gets opinions from several specialists before deciding on a treatment.
d. daphne goes out with friends every night so she doesnt have to think about her upcoming surgery.

Explanation:

Define cognitive redefinition

Cognitive redefinition is a cognitive coping strategy where a person alters their perception of a stressful event or illness to make it seem less threatening, more manageable, or more positive. This often involves comparing oneself to others who are worse off (downward social comparison) or finding a "silver lining" in a difficult situation.

Analyze Option A

Ted lectures himself about not getting medical treatment sooner. This represents self-blame or rumination, which is an emotional, often maladaptive reaction rather than a positive cognitive restructuring or redefinition of the stressor.

Analyze Option B

Maggie tells herself that she is much better off than Alice because her own condition is not as serious. By comparing her situation to someone with a more severe condition, Maggie is actively changing her cognitive appraisal of her illness to make it feel less threatening. This downward social comparison is a classic example of cognitive redefinition.

Analyze Option C

Carlos gets opinions from several specialists before deciding on a treatment. This is an active, problem-focused coping strategy aimed at gathering information and taking direct action, rather than cognitively redefining the meaning of the stressor.

Analyze Option D

Daphne goes out with friends every night so she doesn't have to think about her upcoming surgery. This is an avoidance-based coping strategy (behavioral distraction) used to escape thinking about the stressor, rather than cognitively redefining it.

Answer:

• (A) Ted lectures himself about not getting medical treatment sooner.
• (B) Maggie tells herself that she is much better off than Alice because her own condition is not as serious. (Correct answer)
• (C) Carlos gets opinions from several specialists before deciding on a treatment.
• (D) Daphne goes out with friends every night so she doesn't have to think about her upcoming surgery.