What is the main theoretical perspective of a COTA focused on reducing negative emotional states in clients with mental illness?

The cognitive-behavioral perspective is primarily concerned with the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This approach emphasizes that negative emotional states often arise from distorted thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. By utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies, a COTA can help clients identify and challenge their irrational beliefs, ultimately promoting healthier thought processes and behaviors.

Through techniques like cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, or skill-building exercises, the focus is on equipping clients with tools to manage their emotions and reduce distressing symptoms. This framework aligns well with the goal of reducing negative emotional states in clients with mental illness, as it provides a structured method for understanding and changing the underlying cognitive distortions contributing to those feelings.

In contrast, the psychoanalytic perspective delves into unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental in shaping emotional states, while the developmental perspective focuses on age-related changes and milestones. The occupational perspective, while significant in understanding the role of daily activities and meaningful occupations in mental health, does not specifically address the cognitive and emotional restructuring involved in reducing negative states.