Cognitive Distortions

Name the Cognitive Distortion

100

seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation

catastrophizing

200

making broad interpretations from a single or few events.

overgeneralization

300

the belief that their actions will influence unrelated situations that may or may not occur

magical thinking

400

The belief that one is responsible for events outside of their own control.

personalization

500

Concluding the meaning of a situation with little to no evidence. 

jumping to conclusions

True or False

100

Cognitive Distortions are abnormal

False: They are in fact normal, we all have irrational thoughts from time to time!

200

Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts that can influence our emotions.

True

300

Cognitive distortions are healthy when they are used in extreme forms.

False: When used in extreme forms, cognitive distortions can have a negative influence on our mental health and overall well-being. 

400

ABC of CBT is a common tool to use to help identify your negative and positive beliefs/thoughts and feelings/behaviors of a situation.

True

500

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a recognized form of talk therapy in which people learn to identify, interrupt, and change unhealthy thinking patterns.

False: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify, and change unhealthy thinking patterns.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy focuses on mindfulness and grounding. 

Name the Cognitive Distortion

100

The thoughts that our emotions reflect the way things really are in reality.

emotional reasoning

200

recognizing only the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive.

disqualifying the positive 

300

the belief that things should be a certain way.

"should statements"

400

interpreting the thoughts and beliefs of others without adequate evidence

mind reading

500

expectation that a situation will turn out badly without adequate evidence

fortune telling

Which Cognitive Distortion is this?

100

"My achievements are not important, but I remember of the mistake I made 5 years ago that changed my life."

magnification and minimization

200

"I am very awkward."

overgeneralization

300

"I am a good person, so bad things should not be happening to me..."

magical thinking

400

"My grandma is sick, but if I gave more of my time, she would feel better right now."

personalization

500

"Because I always mess up, I will never be good enough to do anything."

all-or-nothing thinking

Reframing practice

100

"I will never be happy"

Examples: "I may be unhappy now but that will pass." "I have been happy before and I will be happy again."

200

I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.

Examples: "I wish I could loan him money but I cannot afford it." "I want to give my friend money because it makes me feel good and I have enough to spare."

300

He didn't say Hi to me this morning so he must be mad at me for something I did.

"There are many reasons why he did not say Hi to me. It's probably not personal." "I will check in with him later and make sure everything is ok"

400

I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now.

"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and I can leave the party if I start to panic. But I should at least give it a try." "I have been to these types of parties before and I have never had a panic attack. I will probably be fine."

500

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 PCP to check it out." "I am under a lot of stress and my body is probably telling me I need to take it easy."