COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS
Thinking in extremes like “always,” “never,” or “every time.”
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
In REBT, this represents the activating event.
What is A?
Asking “What is the evidence for or against this belief?” is an example of this.
Disputing/Challenging
Core beliefs are deeply held beliefs about the self, others, and this
What is the world?
A famous talk show host who admitted to smoking crack during her tenure on TV
Who is Oprah Winfrey
Believing something is true because it feels true rather than because of evidence.
Making feelings facts
This part of the model—not the event—creates emotional reactions.
What is B (beliefs)
Words like must, should, and can’t often signal this type of belief and are often not true
What is an irrational belief?
Core beliefs are often formed during this life stage.
What is early life or childhood?
The deadliest drug in America
What is Tobacco (400,000 per year)
What is Alcohol (140,000 per year)
What is Illicit drugs (100,000 per year)
Assuming one negative event predicts future outcomes. and its the worst case possible!
What is catastrophizing?
Emotions and behaviors are called this in the ABC model.
What are consequences (C)?
These two words are the what the R and E stand for in REBT
Rational Emotive
“I am unlovable” fits into this core belief category.
What is unlovability? or negative core belief
A music legend who happens to be Eminem's 12-step sponsor
Who is Elton John
Focusing on selected negative examples while ignoring context or positives.
Dwelling on the negative
REBT teaches that people are disturbed not by things, but by this.
What are their views or interpretations?
This is the term for being able to tolerate discomfort
What is Distress Tolerance
“I am a burden” or “I am bad” reflects this category.
What is worthlessness?
Relapse rates for diabetes, asthma, and hypertension are similar to relapse rates of this
What is addiction
Assuming others think negatively about you without proof.
Assuming
Replacing irrational beliefs leads to this REBT outcome.
What are effective new beliefs (E)?
A rational belief distinguishes between these two things.
What are wants vs. needs? OR Demands vs Preferrences
“I am helpless” or “I am incompetent” falls under this category.
What is helplessness?
This European country decriminalized personal drug possession in 2001 and treats addiction primarily as a public-health issue, leading to major reductions in overdose deaths and infectious disease.
What is Portugal?