Types 1
This is when we see things as good or bad, worst or best, etc. There is no gray area.
What is All-or-Nothing or Black and White Thinking?
This is when we apply simplistic and unfair definitions that are probably wrong or more likely incomplete on ourselves and others.
What is Labeling?
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking OR What is Overgeneralization?
Morgan gets an “F” on her math test. She thinks, “I always fail at math!”
What is All or Nothing thinking?
This is when we see a single negative event as a part of a never-ending streak of failure. We use words like "always," "never," "everybody".
What is Overgeneralization?
This is when we anticipate that things will turn out badly and act as if they already turned out that way.
What is Fortune Telling?
She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!
What is Mind Reading?
Blake finishes his homework, but he realizes that he did the wrong writing assignment. He says, “Ugh! I’m such an idiot!”
What is ___ (overgeneralization, labeling, emotional reasoning)?
This happens when we blow a negative event out of proportion.
What is Magnification or Catastrophizing?
This is when we see ourselves as the cause of negative events that we are not responsible for.
What is Personalization?
Naomi feels really jealous and insecure when she sees her boyfriend talking to other girls, so she thinks, “He must be cheating on me!”
What is Emotional Reasoning (or Jumping to Conclusions)?
Ashley wins a local singing competition. Her family is proud of her, but she says, “It’s not that big of a deal. The competition was weak- the other girls were much younger than me.”
What is Disqualifying the Positive?
This is when we conclude that someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.
What is Mind Reading?
This is when we look at our strengths and trivialize them.
What is Minimization?
I know she complimented me on my new outfit but she was just being nice.
What is Disqualifying the Positive OR What is Minimization?
After a party, Santiago’s best friend gets busted for a DUI. Santiago feels guilty because he wasn’t able to stop his friend from driving. He thinks, “I’m a really bad friend.”
What is Emotional Reasoning (or Personalization)?
This is when we pick out one negative detail in a situation and dwell on it exclusively.
What is Mental Filter?
This is an extreme example of turning positive events into negative ones.
What is Disqualifying the Positive?
I am mentally ill and cannot contribute anything to anyone.
What is Labeling? Reframe! I am living with a mental illness and I have a lot to offer to this world! Mental illness does not define who I am as a person!
Parker’s girlfriend hasn’t been hanging out with him lately. She has been stressed because of college applications. Parker thinks, “She hasn’t been talking to me... I must be a bad boyfriend…”
What is Personalization (or Jumping to Conclusions)?
I have had a headache for two days. I must have a brain tumor.
"Headaches are common and happen occasionally. There is no need to worry." "If my headache doesn't go away in a day I will make an appointment with my doctor to check it out." "I am under a lot of stress and my body is probably telling me I need to take it easy."