According to rational-emotive psychotherapy, which factor must change first to influence feelings and behaviors?

In rational-emotive psychotherapy, the fundamental principle is that beliefs play a crucial role in shaping an individual's emotions and behaviors. This approach posits that it is not the events themselves that disturb people, but rather the beliefs and interpretations they hold about those events. Therefore, by addressing and changing irrational beliefs to more rational and constructive ones, individuals can significantly influence their feelings and behaviors.

Changing beliefs is seen as the first step, as these beliefs serve as the underlying framework through which individuals perceive their experiences and reactions. For instance, if someone holds the belief that they must be perfect to be worthy, identifying and altering this belief can lead to a decrease in anxiety and self-criticism, thereby positively affecting their feelings and subsequent actions.

The other factors, such as knowledge, environment, and support, although they may also play important roles in personal development, are secondary in this therapeutic model. They often follow the initial change in belief, as a shifted mindset can lead to a better understanding of knowledge, an improved environment, and enhanced relationships and support systems. Thus, the emphasis on changing beliefs first aligns with the core tenets of rational-emotive therapy.