REBT with children and adolescents aims not only to help them feel better but to...

• A. Get better.
• B. Be happy.
• C. Understand better.
• D. Achieve more.

Answer: (A)

At the heart of REBT with children and adolescents is changing how they think in order to change how they feel and behave. The goal goes beyond just momentary mood improvement; it aims for getting better overall—reduced distress and better functioning across school, family, and friendships. By spotting and disputing irrational beliefs (for example, thinking “I must be perfect in everything” or “If I fail, I’m worthless”), youths learn to replace them with more flexible, realistic thoughts. This shift supports calmer emotions, better coping strategies, and more effective actions in real-life situations.

Be happy focuses only on a feeling state, which is narrower than the therapeutic aim. Understanding better emphasizes awareness, but REBT also prioritizes changing beliefs to produce lasting change. Achieving more centers on performance, which isn’t the primary purpose of the therapy; the main aim is reducing distress and improving overall functioning through smarter thinking.