Cognitive Triangle
Thoughts
What is the first part of the Cognitive Triangle?
What you might think if you left your backpack at home.
(Positive) I will remember my backpack tomorrow. It's okay to make a mistake.
You got picked last for tag at recess.
What is sad or left out?
Behaviors or Actions.
What is the third part of the triangle?
What you might think if you got an A- on your test.
(Positive) I did it. I'm smart.
(Negative) I should have gotten an A.
You fell in the cafeteria and spilled your tray of food.
What is embarrassed?
Feelings
What you might think if your sister keeps bothering you.
(Negative) She's a pest. She won't ever leave me alone.
(Positive) She misses me. She gets bored when I play alone. She really looks up to me. She wants to spend time with me.
You don't understand something your teacher is trying to teach you in math class.
What is confused?
I didn't get the gift I asked for this Christmas.
I still got some great gifts. I like what I did get. I might get that later.
What you might think if someone bumped into you in the hallway at school.
(Negative) He/she did that on purpose. That jerk!
(Positive) It was only an accident. Everybody is okay.
Your parent corrected you for not doing your schoolwork.
What is feeling mad, sad or bad?
My Mom forgot to wish me Happy Birthday this morning before she left for work.
(Positive) She was just busy and forgot. She loves me. She cares and might have a surprise planned for later.
Your classmates did not invite you into a break out room during online learning.
What is feeling sad, lonely or left out?
My friend didn't call me like he said he would.
He probably just forgot. He got busy and didn't have time to call. He will call me tomorrow.