ACT Cognitive Defusion Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary goal of cognitive defusion in ACT?

Accepted Answer

Creating psychological distance by changing one's relationship with thoughts

Answer

Eliminating negative thoughts from awareness

Answer

Replacing maladaptive thoughts with adaptive ones

Answer

Suppressing unwanted mental content

Question 2

Which ACT metaphor is commonly used to illustrate cognitive defusion by observing thoughts as transient events?

Accepted Answer

Leaves on a stream

Answer

The empty vessel metaphor

Answer

The safety net metaphor

Answer

Building a bridge

Question 3

In ACT, cognitive defusion is the direct antidote to which problematic psychological process?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive fusion

Answer

Mindfulness

Answer

Acceptance

Answer

Experiential avoidance

Question 4

Adding the phrase 'I'm having the thought that...' before a troubling belief is an example of which ACT technique?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive defusion

Answer

Values clarification

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Answer

Acceptance training

Question 5

According to ACT theory, when a person is 'fused' with a thought, what occurs?

Accepted Answer

The thought is experienced as literally true and directly controls behavior

Answer

They are fully present with the thought in a mindful way

Answer

The thought is integrated into their value system

Answer

The thought is processed and released through acceptance

Question 6

Which best describes the goal of defusion techniques compared to cognitive restructuring in traditional CBT?

Accepted Answer

To change the function of thoughts rather than their content

Answer

To reduce the frequency of negative thoughts through exposure

Answer

To challenge the accuracy of distorted cognitions

Answer

To replace irrational beliefs with rational alternatives

Question 7

The 'milk, milk, milk' word repetition exercise adapted for ACT primarily demonstrates which defusion principle?

Accepted Answer

How rapid repetition of a word can reduce its emotional impact and literality

Answer

How repetition strengthens the meaning of words over time

Answer

A mindfulness breathing technique for grounding

Answer

A values clarification exercise using language