3.0 Safe to install
The On Second Thought (OST) program is a computerized cognitive-behavioral intervention designed to introduce upper elementary school children to fundamental principles of CBT. Originally conceived as a universal prevention tool, OST aims to enhance thought awareness, foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and promote emotional literacy, including identifying and naming emotions. It also emphasizes strategies for modifying unwanted emotional responses, increasing resilience to negative emotions, and managing intense feelings.
Recent research applying the OST curriculum to specific concerns such as anxiety and anger has yielded promising results, extending its utility into targeted treatment areas. Findings suggest that OST can contribute to reductions in anxiety and anger, decrease maladaptive behaviors, and promote healthier self-regulation. Additional benefits observed include a decline in automatic negative thoughts, enhancements in adaptive skills, improvements in interpersonal relationships, better problem-solving abilities, and advancements in academic performance.
The development of OST is credited to Dr. T. Busto, a licensed elementary school psychologist and private practitioner based in New York State. The program draws on the foundational work of eminent psychologists such as Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, and David Burns—pioneers in understanding how unhelpful thoughts influence emotional states and behaviors. Dr. Busto has adapted these concepts into a child-friendly format suitable for delivered settings.
- The complete OST program comprises 19 activities, each designed as a comprehensive lesson lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.
- These activities are organized within four volumes:
- Volume 1: Tossing Around More Than a Thought – 8 activities (232 screens)
- Volume 2: Tossing Around Iffy Thoughts – 4 activities (112 screens)
- Volume 3: Tossing Around Witty Thoughts – 4 activities (104 screens)
- Volume 4: Tossing Around Even More Iffy and Witty Thoughts – 7 activities (243 screens)
Practitioners such as school psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, or private clinicians can deliver the program flexibly. It can be conducted as a weekly series of sessions or tailored by selecting specific volumes aligned with the developmental level and skill set of the children involved.
Materials integral to the OST program are accessible for download from the official website at www.onsecond-thought.com. These resources include printable documents designed to support instruction.
Teaching OST requires no specialized training or extensive preparation. Each lesson plan is structured for straightforward implementation; however, familiarity with CBT concepts may enhance delivery but is not mandatory.
Parents seeking to support their child's emotional development are encouraged to engage directly with the activities alongside their children. Collaborative completion of exercises can reinforce learning and foster ongoing support.
OST is grounded in evidence-based practices derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy—an approach widely endorsed by mental health professionals. Preliminary studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and anger among children, supporting its role as a valuable intervention tool.
Overview
On Second Thought is a Freeware software in the category Education developed by Teresa Busto.
The latest version of On Second Thought is 3.0, released on 07/15/2025. It was initially added to our database on 07/15/2025.
On Second Thought runs on the following operating systems: iOS.
Users of On Second Thought gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Engaging and thought-provoking storytelling.
- Well-developed characters that evoke emotional responses.
- Beautiful and expressive illustrations that complement the narrative.
- Addresses important themes such as self-reflection and making different choices.
Cons
- May be emotionally intense for very young readers.
- Some readers might find the storyline complex or for a mature audience.
- Limited availability in some regions or stores.
- As a niche publication, it might have a higher price point than mainstream children's books.
Related
Bouncy the People Trainer
Transforming Lives with Bouncy the People TrainerPositive Penguins
Positive Penguins app is a resilience-building application tailored for children. Top 10 Paid Education App and Winner of the App for All Challenge 2014.Sparky's Brain Busters
Sparky the Fire Dog® invites you to engage in a challenging game of intellect! Are you prepared to put your brainpower to the test and outsmart Sparky (and your friends) with these intricate brain-teasers?Touch and Learn - Emotions
Endorsed by a vast number of satisfied parents, teachers, and children worldwide, Touch and Learn is a compelling new educational platform that presents opportunities to explore novel concepts in an engaging manner.Latest Reviews
![]() |
Intel(R) Dynamic Tuning Technology
Intel's Dynamic Tuning Technology Optimizes Performance and Efficiency |
Native Instruments Una Corda
Native Instruments Una Corda: A Unique Sample Library for Soft Piano Tones |
|
Hybrid Mark Knight Expansion
Hybrid Mark Knight Expansion by AIR Music Tech GmbH Review |
|
Helper-Equalizer
Helper-Equalizer: Versatile Audio Tool for Custom Sound Tuning |
|
Helper-Saturator
Helper-Saturator: A Promising Tool for Saturation Enhancement |
|
Ravage Lite
Ravage Lite: A Lightweight Audio Enhancement App |
![]() |
UpdateStar Premium Edition
Keeping Your Software Updated Has Never Been Easier with UpdateStar Premium Edition! |
![]() |
Microsoft Edge
A New Standard in Web Browsing |
![]() |
Google Chrome
Fast and Versatile Web Browser |
![]() |
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
Boost your system performance with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package! |
![]() |
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
Essential Component for Running Visual C++ Applications |
![]() |
Microsoft OneDrive
Streamline Your File Management with Microsoft OneDrive |