What are behavioural strategies that test the validity of beliefs and explore new thoughts called?

The term referring to behavioural strategies that test the validity of beliefs and explore new thoughts is known as behavioural experiments. These experiments are an essential component of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and are used to help individuals actively engage with their thoughts and beliefs in a structured way.

In a behavioural experiment, the individual formulates a hypothesis based on their beliefs, tests this hypothesis through real-life situations, and then observes the results. This process enables them to gather evidence about the accuracy of their beliefs, often leading to adjustments in thinking and behaviour. By challenging assumptions in a safe and controlled manner, these experiments promote cognitive changes and enhance the understanding of personal thought processes.

Other strategies mentioned, such as thought records, involve documenting thoughts and feelings to identify patterns but don't necessarily involve testing them in real-life situations. Mindfulness exercises focus on present-moment awareness without judgment and are more about acceptance rather than direct testing of beliefs. Self-assessment tests can gauge an individual's thoughts or feelings but do not provide the active experimentation characteristic of behavioural experiments. Thus, the unique aspect of behavioural experiments lies in their interactive approach to validating beliefs through experiential learning.