COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL, AFFIRMATION, AND EMOTIONAL INTEGRATION AS MECHANISMS ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY: A NEUROPLASTICITY PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present mechanisms that may strengthen the process of psychotherapy, taking into account the neuroplasticity of the brain. The paper discusses issues of cognitive reappraisal, affirmation, and emotional integration, emphasizing their influence on neuronal remodeling and the durability of therapeutic effects. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, including studies published between 2006 and 2025 in English and Polish. The analysis focused on neurological, imaging and clinical research exploring how psychological interventions induce measurable brain changes. Results indicate that both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy contribute to neuroplastic modifications, particularly within the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and limbic structures, which correspond to improved emotion regulation and cognitive processing. Furthermore - optimism and positive self-affirmation appear to reinforce adaptive neural patterns and enhance therapeutic outcomes. These findings suggest that the integration of neuroplastic principles into psychotherapeutic practice may strengthen resilience, promote emotional balance and improve long-term treatment efficacy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Julia Rarok, Katarzyna Kleszczewska, Agnieszka Pruska, Natalia Senatorska, Daria Godlewska, Hanna Pietruszewska, Monika Banaszek, Agata Panfil, Julia Błocka, Agata Lurka
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