Name That Distortion
“I failed one test, so I’m stupid.”
→ Answer: Overgeneralization
You assume your friend is mad without asking.
→ Mind Reading
“I can’t do anything right.”
→ “I make mistakes sometimes, but I also do things well.”
Cognitive distortions are always based on facts.
→ False
“I failed my test. I’m so stupid.”
→ Answer: Shame
“If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure.”
→ Answer: All-or-Nothing Thinking
A friend ignores 5 compliments and focuses on 1 criticism.
→ Mental Filter
“They think I’m annoying.”
→ “I don’t actually know what they’re thinking.”
Thoughts influence feelings and behaviors.
→ True
“They didn’t text back, something must be wrong.”
→ Answer: Anxiety
“They didn’t text back… they must hate me.”
→ Answer: Mind Reading
A friend says, “I always mess everything up.”
→ Overgeneralization
“If I fail, my life is over.”
→ “Failing would be hard, but I could recover.”
You can’t change your thinking patterns.
→ False
“My friend canceled plans again, I guess I'll stop trying.”
→ Answer: Disappointment
“I got the job because they felt bad for me.”
→ Answer: Discounting the Positive
Someone believes they caused someone else’s bad mood.
→ Personalization
“I should always be strong.”
→ “It’s okay to have emotions and ask for help.”
Recognizing distortions is the first step to change.
→ True
“I got criticized by my boss, now everyone thinks I'm a bad worker.”
→ Answer: Embarrassment
“If something can go wrong, it definitely will.”
→ Answer: Catastrophizing
You predict total failure before trying.
→ Fortune Telling
“This one mistake ruined everything.”
→ “This is one moment, not my whole story.”
Everyone experiences cognitive distortions sometimes.
→ True
“Nothing ever goes right for me and it never will."
→ Answer: Hopelessness