What are Cognitive Distortions?
Why do so many people have them?
CCognitive distortions are simply ways that our mind convinces us of something that isn’t really true. These inaccurate thoughts are usually used to reinforce negative thinking or emotions — telling ourselves things that sound rational and accurate, but really only serve to keep us feeling bad about ourselves; [because our brain is lying to or sabotaging us]. By John M. Grohol, Psy. D.
Have a peek at them:
All-or-nothing Thinking:
In polarized thinking, things are either “black-or-white” — all or nothing. We have to be perfect or we’re a complete and abject failure — there is no middle ground. A person with black-and-white thinking sees things only in extremes.
By PsychCentral.com
Over-generalization:
Making [conclusions] from insufficient evidence. Drawing a very broad conclusion from a single incident or a single piece of evidence. Even if something bad happens only once, it is expected to happen over and over again. [Ex. Someone that avoids meeting groups of people, thinking the people won’t appreciate them].
Wikipedia
Mental Filter:
Someone that displays the Mental Filter captures negative feelings and emotions, discarding the positive ones in no time. They usually magnify to their “listeners” or self until a distorted reality is then perceived or even evoked.
By VitalCore.ca
Disqualifying the Positive:
This is very common for those who thinks negatively. Even though they receive compliments for their accomplishments; they might just as well disqualify themselves.
By VitalCore.ca
Jumping to Conclusions:
A person who jumps to conclusions knows [allegedly] what another person is feeling and thinking — and exactly why they act the way they do. In particular, and as though they could read their mind. Jumping to conclusions can also manifest itself as fortune-telling, where a person believes their entire future is pre-ordained (whether it be in school, work, or romantic relationships).
By PshychCentral.com
Mind Reading:
Is assuming you know what other people think. In small doses, mind reading is a very helpful skill. When used too much, or without much evidence to go on, mind reading can be problematic. Ex: If you get to work a few minutes late, and you think everyone else is thinking about your tardiness. Engage in enough distorted mind reading, and you can feel pretty miserable after a while.
By Cogbtherapy.com
The Fortune-teller Error:
Similarly to labeling, the fortune teller is constantly thinking that others don’t like them. They are looking in their crystal ball and only seeing bad scenarios coming their way – the train is coming over them when they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
VitalCore.ca
Magnification (catastrophizing) or Minimization:
is an irrational thought a lot of us have in believing that something is far worse than it actually is. Catastrophizing can generally take two different forms: making a catastrophe out of a current situation, and imagining making a catastrophe out of a future situation, [generating anxiety to self or others].
By PsychCentral.com
Emotional reasoning:
Can easily happen to someone who takes things for granted; by being too confident of a subject. Emotional reasoning also affects the other cognitive distortions; such as the “Should Statement” fallacy. If someone has a speech to present to a group of stakeholders – unable to be clear or concise, they might just as well start with “guessology”.
By VitalCore.ca
Should statement:
Are a common negative thinking pattern, or cognitive distortions, that can contribute to feelings of fear and worry. According to theory based on cognitive therapy, one’s thinking can play a major role in developing stress and mental health conditions. Should statements can contribute to panic and anxiety.
By Verywellmind.com
Labeling and Mislabeling:
This distortion is very common in all societies; as someone can easily label others or self in negative ways. It is very unhelpful and can destroy relationship with others. Ex.: “He is a stupid guy; therefore, won’t even get close”. I “just hate it”. “I am not capable of doing this”, etc…
By VitalCore.ca
Personalization:
Someone who displays personalization are comparing self to others; more in the sense how better they are towards others. Also, they like to feel miserable in any random situation by blaming themselves poorly or blaming others, as a “Victim of Circumstances”.
By VitalCore.ca
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