Types of Cognitive Distortion 1
Seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation.
Catastrophizing
Thinking in extremes or absolutes such as "always, never, every"
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
All or Nothing Thinking OR Overgeneralizing
"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."
Making broad interpretations from a few or single events.
Overgeneralizing
Interpreting the thoughts and beliefs of others without adequate evidence
Mind Reading
She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!
Mind Reading
I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.
"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."
Taking a behavior and turning it into an identity. Using unkind names on yourself or others that are not earned.
Labeling
The belief that you are responsible for events outside of your control.
Personalization
She is moving to a new apartment because she does not like having me as a neighbor.
Personalization
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"
Recognizing only the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive.
Mental Filtering
The belief that things should be perfect or not done at all.
All or Nothing Thinking
I know she complimented me on my new outfit but she was just being nice.
Mental filtering
I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now.
Examples "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."
The assumption that emotions reflect the reality of a situation.
Emotional Reasoning
We look at others and compare ourselves unfairly without taking the bigger picture into perspective.
Unreal Ideal
I am mentally ill and cannot contribute anything to anyone.
Labeling
I have had a headache for two days. I must have a brain tumor.
Examples "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."