| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat psychological disorders, with strong empirical support. However, its precise cognitive mechanisms and learning processes remain unclear. Using a second-order adaptive network model, we simulated the effects of CBT on cognitive pathways in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), demonstrating changes in emotion regulation, self-monitoring, and attention focus. Our results indicate that CBT facilitates a shift from maladaptive to healthy cognitive pathways, primarily by redirecting attention and restructuring negative thought patterns toward positive appraisal. Crucially, these effects are sustained through learning and long-term cognitive adaptation. Additionally, the model highlights the role of positive social networks, showing that social support can accelerate therapeutic progress, reducing the duration required to achieve optimal outcomes. |
*** Title, author list and abstract as submitted during Camera-Ready version delivery. Small changes that may have occurred during processing by Springer may not appear in this window.