Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
Experimentally unpacking cognitive behavioral therapy: The effects of completing a thought record on affect and
David C Rozek1, Noelle B Smith2, Anne D Simons3
1University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; National Center for Veterans Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
Abstract:
Despite overall effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), little is known about the effects of specific techniques used in CBT. Thought records are widely employed in CBT across disorders to target cognitions. The current study examined the effects of thought record completion on affective and physiological responses to a laboratory stressor. Participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (Kirschbaum & Hellhammer, 1993) and were randomized to a thought record condition (n = 50) or a control condition (n = 50). Affect and biological responses (i.e., cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and alpha-amylase) were collected throughout the session. Participants in the thought record condition showed greater peak cortisol response following the stressor. No between group differences were found on other neuroendocrine or affect measures. Overall, results indicate completing a thought record impacts physiology (i.e., cortisol) and using experimental laboratory methods can provide additional information to inform our understanding of the components of CBT.
More Related Videos
07:41Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function via Optomotor Response and Cognitive Function via Y-Maze in Diabetic Rats
Published on: October 23, 2020
11:13The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Related Concept Videos
The Influence of Affect on Cognition
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Cognitive Therapy
Cognition and Behavior
Responses to Salt Stress