Theory A Theory B

Theory BTheory A

PSYCHOLOGYT LS.org

The problem is ...

Evidence

What do I need to do if Theory A is true? What do I need to do if Theory B is true?

Evidence

The problem is worry that ...

Theory A Theory B

Theory BTheory A

PSYCHOLOGYT LS.org

The problem is ...

Evidence

What do I need to do if Theory A is true? What do I need to do if Theory B is true?

Evidence

The problem is worry that ...

I have brain cancer I have brain cancer

I have these mptoms:HeadachesDizzineVision goes bluy sometimes

Doctor tells me it is n canere headaches are worse when I am streedFocusing on my mptoms makes them worseReaurance makes my mptoms berIve had these mptoms a long time andth have n g any more serious

This technique has been described as: Dual model strategy in Wells, A. (1997). Cognitive therapy for anxiety disorders. John Wiley & Sons.Hypothesis A / Hypothesis B in Salkovskis, P. M. & Bass, C. (1997). Hypochondriasis. In The Science and Practice of Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy(ed. Clark &Fairburn). Oxford University Press : Oxford.

Go to the doctor and insist that th treat mestraight away - brain cancer is serious!

Learn how to deal with my woy

Theory A Theory B

Theory BTheory A

ere is a problem with my appearance I have a body image problem

eory A is the theory that you have been acting on for the last X years, it argues that the problem you have is your appearance

What are the implications of following Theory A?

It means that you have to try very hard to hideor alter your appearance. Unfortunately, yoursolutions then become your problem and causeincreasing handicap

eory B is that you have a body image problem.is problem makes you ceively self-consciousabout your appearance. is has probablydeveloped om some your early periences being teased & bullied. Have you niced that solving it as an appearance problem makes yourpreoccupation and distre worse?

Would you be prepared to act as if it wereeory B for at least 4 months? You can alwaysgo back to theory A if its n working.

If theory B were true what would this mean in how you act?

This example is adapted from a workshop given by Veale & Neziroglu at the WCBCT conference in Boston in 2010.PSYCHOLOGYT LS.org

TheoryA_TheoryB_1TheoryA_TheoryB_2TheoryA_TheoryB_3