Types 1
This is when we see things in black and white categories. There is no grey area.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking or Black & White Thinking
This is when we apply negative definitions or judgements about ourselves or others that are most likely incomplete and are based on little evidence.
What is Labeling
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking, What is Overgeneralization, OR What is Fortune Telling
"I am so sad; I will never be happy again."
50pt. Bonus: What type of cognitive distortion is this?
Examples: "I may be unhappy now and this feeling can pass." "I have been happy before and I can be happy again."
Type: Emotional Reasoning/Overgeneralization
This is when we see a single negative event as a part of a never-ending streak of negative events. We may use words like "always," "never," "everybody".
What is Overgeneralization
This is when we anticipate that things will turn out badly and may 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
I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.
50pt. Bonus: What type of cognitive distortion is this?
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."
Type: Should's, Ought's, & Musts
What are negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
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 or have little to no control over.
What is Personalization
It's my fault she's moving to a new apartment because she does not like having me as a neighbor.
What is Personalization OR Mind Reading
He didn't say Hi to me this morning so he must be mad at me for something I did.
50pt. Bonus: What type of cognitive distortion is this?
"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."
Type: Personalization/Mind Reading
Types of statements that make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful and create unrealistic expectations.
What are "Should/Ought/Must" statements.
This is when we assume that someone is thinking or feeling 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
I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go to the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now.
50pt. Bonus: What type of cognitive distortion is this?
"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and come up with a plan if it starts to feel too much. But I want to at least give it a try."
"I have been to these types of parties before, and I have never had a panic attack. I think I will be okay" (Using evidence!)
Type: Fortune telling
Cognitive Distortions are a type of what automatic thought?
What are negative automatic thoughts
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/Discounting the Positive
I am mentally ill and cannot contribute anything to anyone.
What is Labeling.
Reframe! I am living with a mental health disorder, and I have a lot to offer this world. This does not define who I am as a person.
"If I were a better child, my parents wouldn't fight so much."
50pt. Bonus: What type of cognitive distortion is this?
"I don't have control over other people's actions and their actions do not reflect who I am as a person."
Type: Personalization
What is one way with which we can combat cognitive distortions?
What are identifying the thought (increase awareness!) and thought challenging (challenge and reframe the distortion!)