Final answer:
The best approach from a CBT perspective for handling self-disparaging comments in a diary would be to challenge and reframe negative thoughts, while also acknowledging the individual's negative emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Best Approach from a CBT Perspective:
From a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) perspective, the best approach when reviewing a diary of self-disparaging comments is to challenge and reframe negative thoughts. CBT is founded on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that identifying and changing negative thought patterns can lead to positive changes in emotions and behaviors. Therefore, when faced with self-disparaging comments, it is important to examine and question the veracity and usefulness of these thoughts, and work toward framing them in a more balanced and realistic manner.
In the process of challenging these negative comments, it is also beneficial to acknowledge and validate the negative emotions that are present. This validation does not mean that the thoughts are accurate, but it does recognize the individual's experience and makes them feel heard. While emotion-focused coping strategies, such as seeking distractions, may provide short-term relief from distress, they address only the symptoms and not the root cause of the distress. On the contrary, CBT aims to alter the thought patterns that contribute to these negative emotions, thus addressing the core issue and leading to lasting change.