Skip to main content

Selective Attention

Selective attention can be conceptualized as a maintaining process (mechanism) within CBT. Biases in perception can lead to biases in information processing negative emotion. This information handout explains selective attention and its role in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Download or send

Choose your language

Professional version

A PDF of the resource, theoretical background, suggested therapist questions and prompts.

Client version

A PDF of the resource plus client-friendly instructions where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Translation Template

Are you a qualified therapist who would like to help with our translation project?

Tags

Languages this resource is available in

  • Albanian
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • English (GB)
  • English (US)
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Slovak
  • Spanish (International)
  • Swedish

Problems this resource might be used to address

Techniques associated with this resource

Mechanisms associated with this resource

Introduction & Theoretical Background

This Selective Attention worksheet is a simple one-page illustration of the concept. Selective attention is mechanism which serves to maintain a wide variety of clinical problems. For example, many unhelpful thinking styles (e.g., 'black & white thinking', 'magnification & minimisation', 'mental filtering') are examples of selective attention and underpin conditions such as depression or anxiety. Self-focused attention (another form of selective attention) is critical in the maintenance of social anxiety disorder.

Therapist Guidance

This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
  • Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
  • Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
  • Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
  • Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training

References And Further Reading

  • Harvey, A., Watkins, E., Mansell, W., Shafran, R. (2005). Cognitive behavioural processes across psychological disorders. Oxford: Oxford University Press.