Cognitive Distortions and Emotional Regulation in CBT

Maria is a college student who has recently been feeling increasingly anxious about her academic performance. Despite receiving consistently high grades, she believes that she is not capable of passing her upcoming final exams. This thought leads to severe procrastination, as she avoids studying altogether. After speaking with a counselor, Maria learns about cognitive distortions, specifically the catastrophizing thought pattern, and how they can impact her behavior and emotions.

Reflecting on Maria's situation, explain how cognitive distortions can affect behavior and emotional regulation. Use the terminology related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to discuss the connection between distorted thinking and potential strategies for changing these patterns.