In Beck's cognitive framework, the cognitive triad refers to negative views about which domains?

• A. Self, World, Future
• B. Self, Friends, Health
• C. Self, Family, Work
• D. Self, Past, Future

Answer: (A)

Beck’s cognitive triad points to three global, negative beliefs that help sustain depression: about oneself, about the world (the environment and experiences), and about the future. When someone interprets life through these lenses, they consistently think “I’m worthless,” “the world is unfair or unrewarding,” and “things will never improve.” These pervasive thoughts feed and maintain depressive symptoms by biasing interpretation of events and fueling hopelessness. The other domains listed in the choices—such as specific people or past experiences—are not the universal triad Beck identified; the triad is specifically about self, world, and future, as broad, enduring views.