In the cognitive model of Beck, cognitions exist at different levels of depth. 'I must be perfect to be accepted' represents which level, in contrast to a momentary thought such as 'I said something stupid today'?
- A Automatic thought versus negative cognition
- B Core belief (schema) versus automatic thought ✓
- C Cognitive distortion versus cognitive deficit
- D Intermediate belief versus compensatory strategy
Correct answer: B. Core belief (schema) versus automatic thought
Explanation
Beck's model arranges cognition hierarchically: surface-level automatic thoughts are situation-bound and fleeting, intermediate beliefs are rules and attitudes, and deepest are core beliefs or schemas such as 'I must be perfect to be accepted'. Automatic thoughts like 'I said something stupid today' sit at the surface. Option D reverses nothing useful because compensatory strategies are behaviours, and option A names the wrong contrast pair.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 12th ed.
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