Which cognitive strategy involves exploring and modifying underlying beliefs?

Cognitive restructuring is a cognitive strategy that emphasizes exploring and modifying underlying beliefs that contribute to an individual's emotional and psychological difficulties. This process involves identifying negative or distorted thought patterns and challenging them to replace them with more adaptive or positive beliefs. By addressing these core beliefs, individuals can achieve a significant change in their emotional responses and behaviors.

In cognitive restructuring, practitioners often work collaboratively with clients to help them recognize how their thoughts influence their feelings and actions. This approach is instrumental in treating conditions such as anxiety and depression, particularly during the perinatal period, where mental health challenges can affect both the parent and the infant.

Other choices represent different approaches. Psychoeducation provides individuals with information about mental health conditions, symptoms, and coping strategies but does not specifically involve modifying underlying beliefs. Social skills training focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills and does not directly address cognitive beliefs. Thought records are a tool used within cognitive-behavioral therapy to track thoughts and feelings but are not, in themselves, a strategy for restructuring beliefs. Thus, cognitive restructuring is the most fitting choice as it directly engages with the modification of those deep-seated beliefs that can impact mental health.