Cognitive Distortions
A person assumes that others are upset with them but doesn’t ask for clarification. Which cognitive distortion best fits this behavior?
Mind reading.
What is task paralysis?
A state where someone feels mentally “stuck” or unable to start or complete tasks, even when they want or need to.
What is one common mistake people make when trying to use reflective communication?
Overanalyzing/interpreting what's being said
Providing opinions or advice
Turning the focus away from understanding and toward problem solving or judgement
True or False:
Talking to others about problems in our lives is a healthy coping skill.
TRUE!
Talking to others allows us to share our emotions and problems so that we do not have to go through them alone.
DAILY DOUBLE: What is the highest grossing horror movie?
Hint: 2017
It
What distortion is occurring when someone assumes that if something bad could happen, it will happen, and then worries excessively about it?
Catastrophizing.
Which of the following best describes a common thought pattern behind task paralysis?
A) “I’ll start later when I feel ready.”
B) “If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t start.”
C) “I’ll just do a small part for five minutes.”
D) “I’ll ask for help right away.”
“If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t start.” — perfectionism often fuels paralysis.
What is a common barrier to effective reflection in conversations?
A) Listening too intently
B) Thinking about your next response instead of the speaker
C) Maintaining eye contact
D) Asking clarifying questions
B) Thinking about your next response instead of the speaker.
True or False:
Every coping skill is healthy.
FALSE!
Some ways that we learn to cope are not healthy for us! (ex: fighting, eating too much, running from problems, etc.)
Who is the author of Goosebumps?
R.L Stine
When a person dismisses compliments by saying “They’re just being nice,” what cognitive distortion are they engaging in?
Disqualifying the positive.
Task paralysis is most often associated with which psychological experience or state?
Overwhelm — feeling that a task is too big, complicated, or emotionally loaded to begin.
What’s the main purpose of reflecting listening?
To ensure the speaker feels heard, understood, and validated.
True or False:
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives.
FALSE!
Coping skills help us work through our problems and emotions. You do not want to avoid these! Avoiding is considered an unhealthy coping skill.
In Hocus Pocus (1993), what are the names of the three Sanderson sisters?
Winifred, Mary, and Sarah.
What cognitive distortion occurs when someone assumes their emotions reflect objective reality (e.g., “I feel worthless, so I must be worthless”)?
Emotional reasoning.
DAILY DOUBLE: What neurotransmitter imbalance is often linked to difficulty initiating tasks in conditions like ADHD?
Dopamine dysregulation — low dopamine makes it harder to initiate action or sustain motivation.
A friend says, “I’m so stressed about work. I feel like I can’t keep up anymore.”
What’s an example of a reflective response?
“Sounds like work has been really overwhelming for you lately.” (Reflects emotion: stress/overwhelm, shows empathy.)
True or False:
Coping skills are not important to your well-being.
FALSE!
Coping skills create a sense of calmness, confidence, and inner-peace. They are important for your overall health.
In the U.S., what is the most popular Halloween candy as of 2024?
M&M’s.
A person predicts disaster before it happens, treating their negative expectation as a fact. What is this distortion called?
Fortune telling (a type of catastrophizing).
Which simple strategy to overcome task paralysis involves committing to start a task for a short, specific amount of time — often resulting in continued progress once you begin?
The “5-minute rule” (or short-time commitment technique)
What’s one key difference between self-reflection and rumination?
Self-reflection is purposeful and growth-oriented, aimed at understanding and learning.
Rumination is repetitive and negative, often increasing distress without leading to insight.
True or False:
Some Coping Skills are not beneficial to improving your mental health.
True. Unhealthy coping skills are not beneficial to improving your mental health.
Which fruit was originally used to carve “jack-o’-lanterns” before pumpkins became popular?
Turnips.