Core Belief General Q's
What is a core belief?
Core beliefs are a person’s most central ideas about themselves, others, and the world.
What are the components of the cognitive model?
Thoughts, Emotions, and
Behaviors
What kind of belief should replace our unhelpful core beliefs?
Balanced core beliefs
How might someone with the unhelpful core belief "I am not worthy" approach asking someone to coffee?
Question why someone would ever want to hang out with them and avoid asking them to get coffee.
What are the two types of core beliefs
Helpful and Unhelpful
What is the cognitive model?
How we interpret or think about a situation determines how we feel about it, which then determines how we react or respond to that situation.
How would someone with an unhelpful core belief view proof that their belief is inaccurate?
For example, someone who believes they are unlovable being told "I love you."
People often ignore things that disprove their belief, so they may choose not to consider or accept evidence that their belief is actually untrue
How might someone with the unhelpful core belief "the world is a dangerous place" respond to a stranger approaching them to ask a question?
They might assume the person is a threat immediately and walk in the opposite direction or become defensive
How can a helpful core belief impact our lives?
Helpful core beliefs lead to balanced responses to a situation
What is an automatic thought?
Thoughts occur outside of our awareness, as if they are a reflex.
What does it mean to 'challenge' our core beliefs?
Question your belief to determine its validity
How might someone with the helpful core belief "the world is generally safe" respond to a stranger approaching them to ask a question?
They may assume they need support in some way and demonstrate willingness to give them that support
What are 3 potential causes of a core belief?
Your location
Your religion
Your family’s beliefs
Your friend’s beliefs
Your culture
Life experiences
How do thoughts impact our emotions?
Different thoughts lead to different emotions, a positive thought results in positive emotions while a negative thought can lead to more negative emotions
What are some questions you could pose to yourself to challenge an unhelpful core belief?
If someone has the core belief "no one likes me," how might they modify the fact of someone asking them on a date so that if fits with their idea that no one likes them?
"I was asked out on a date…but it must’ve been out of pity."
What are 2 potential interpersonal consequences of unhelpful beliefs?
- difficulty trusting others
- feelings of inadequacy in relationships
- excessive jealousy
- overly confrontational or aggressive
- putting others’ needs above one’s own needs
How do our core beliefs influence the cognitive model?
Our core beliefs are what influence the thoughts we have in response to a situation. Those thoughts go on to influence our emotions, then our - meaning core beliefs are at the root of each element of the cognitive model!
What is a balanced core belief?
A more positive and realistic alternative to an unhelpful core belief. A balanced core belief can be the opposite of your old belief (“I am incompetent” to “I am competent”), a more moderate view of yourself (“I am a failure” to “I am great at many things, average at other things, and weaker in some areas like anyone else”), or something entirely different (“I am no good” to “I am a worthwhile person”)
What is a balanced core belief that can replace the core belief "people can't be trusted."
"There are people in my life that I can trust."
"I am able to determine who I can trust and who I cannot."