Which of the following is NOT a cognitive technique for stress management?

• A. Progressive muscle relaxation
• B. Cognitive restructuring
• C. Thought stopping
• D. Mindfulness meditation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of cognitive techniques for stress management. These techniques primarily involve changing or managing thought patterns to reduce stress.
2. Step 2: Review each option and classify it as cognitive or non-cognitive. Cognitive restructuring, thought stopping, and mindfulness meditation all involve working with thoughts or awareness, which are cognitive processes.
3. Step 3: Recognize that progressive muscle relaxation is a physical technique that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups to reduce physical tension, rather than directly altering thought patterns.
4. Step 4: Conclude that since progressive muscle relaxation focuses on bodily relaxation rather than cognitive processes, it is NOT a cognitive technique for stress management.
5. Step 5: Therefore, identify progressive muscle relaxation as the correct answer to the question asking which is NOT a cognitive technique.