COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY STRATEGIES APPLIED TO ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENCE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This literature review study analyzes the contributions of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to the treatment of anxiety in adolescence, a developmental stage marked by intense biopsychosocial transformations and emotional vulnerability. To this end, it begins with an understanding of psychological distress in contemporary reality, considering the capitalist world, the influence of social media, virtual comparison, and family and school pressures. Given the socio-historical context of the issue and the approach, the main CBT techniques adapted to the young person's developmental level are discussed, such as psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, identification of automatic thoughts, gradual exposure, and the Unified Transdiagnostic Protocol. It highlights that the involvement of the family and the school environment can play a relevant role in the maintenance or reduction of anxiety conditions. It concludes that CBT promotes not only symptom reduction but also the acquisition of self-regulatory skills and long-term autonomy, offering insights to enhance clinical practice with this population.