Self-Statement Modification

Description of the Strategy

Self-statement modification (SSM) dates from Donald Meichenbaum's groundbreaking 1977 book that was one of the precursors of cognitive behavior therapy (or modification). Variously labeled as “the internal dialogue” (Meichenbaum), “automatic thoughts” (Beck), “irrational beliefs/thoughts” (Ellis), or “rational restructuring” (Goldfried), modification of these negative beliefs or self-statements forms a major part of the armamentarium of modern cognitive behavior therapy in all its manifestations. Self-statement modification is rarely attempted as a complete treatment, however; rather, it is typically used as one component of a comprehensive treatment package that includes a number of other cognitive-behavioral ingredients. Automatic self-statements can be construed as cognitive contents or the “what” of human cognition. They are our self-talk and are involved in ruminative processes, conscious or ...