Cognitive-Behavioral Theory

Cognitive behavioral theory has grown to be a major theoretical orientation within social work, encompassing our understanding of human behavior across the environment as well as having considerable applications to social work practice. This chapter provides an overview of the conceptual principles of learning theory and cognition that form the foundations of the cognitive behavioral approach, as well as a review of how these principle help social workers understand the etiology of psychosocial problems, and also develop empirically supported approaches to practice. A brief review of some common criticisms of cognitive behavioral theory is discussed.