What are cognitive schemas?

Cognitive schemas are mental frameworks or structures that help individuals organize and interpret information in their environment. They shape how people perceive situations, make sense of experiences, and respond to various stimuli. These schemas are formed through personal experiences and cultural influences, and they guide how we process new information by filtering it through pre-existing beliefs and assumptions.

When someone encounters a situation, their cognitive schemas act as lenses through which they analyze and derive meaning, playing a crucial role in how they interpret their experiences and interactions. Schemas can greatly affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, influencing everything from decision-making to interpersonal relationships.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of cognitive schemas. Feelings of empathy relate to emotional responses and do not describe a cognitive structure. Physical symptoms of anxiety pertain to physiological responses and are not connected to cognitive frameworks. Strategies for coping with stress involve behavioral techniques and skills rather than the cognitive processes used to interpret information.