Questions: Cognitive Reappraisal: Changing How You Think About It

Question 1

What is cognitive reappraisal?

• A. Avoiding your feelings
• B. Thinking about a situation in a new way to change how you feel
• C. Pretending nothing bad happened
• D. Asking others to fix your problems

Answer: (B)

Cognitive reappraisal means taking a different perspective on a situation, which can actually change your emotional response to it.

Question 2

If you reappraise a situation, your feelings will instantly disappear.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

False. Reappraisal doesn't make feelings vanish instantly, but it can shift your perspective so the feelings become more manageable and less overwhelming.

Question 3

Reappraisal means you are lying to yourself or denying the bad parts of a situation.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

False. Reappraisal doesn't deny the truth. It acknowledges the situation while looking for other true aspects — finding opportunity in challenge, growth in difficulty, or compassion in conflict.

Question 4

You didn't make the soccer team. A reappraisal of this situation might be:

• A. I'm a failure and I'll never be good at anything
• B. This is disappointing, but it's a chance to improve my skills or try a different sport
• C. I should quit trying
• D. Everyone thinks I'm bad at sports

Answer: (B)

Reappraisal acknowledges the disappointment while seeing opportunity and possibility — a more balanced, helpful way to think about the setback.

Question 5

Describe a difficult situation and how you could reappraise it in a more helpful way.

Model answer: Example: Getting rejected from a group → I'm not a fit for that group, but maybe I'll find friends elsewhere who share my values. Failing a test → I understand less than I thought, which shows me where to study. Argument with a friend → We both care enough to be honest, so we can work it out.

Good answers acknowledge the difficulty AND find a more constructive way to think about it — without denying the challenge itself.