Types of Cognitive Distortions 1
The expectation that a situation will turn out badly without adequate evidence.
What is Fortune Telling?
Interpreting the meaning of a situation with little or no evidence.
What is Jumping to Conclusions?
(TRUE or FALSE) Our thoughts have no impact on our feelings.
The belief that things should be a certain way. "I should always be friendly."
What is "Should" Statements?
The assumption that emotions reflect the way things really are. "I feel like a bad friend, therefore I must be a bad friend."
What is Emotional Reasoning?
Thinking in absolutes such as "always," "never", or "every."
"I never do a good enough job on anything."
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking?
Exaggerating or minimizing the importance of events. One might believe their own achievements are unimportant, or that their mistakes are excessively important.
What is Magnification and Minimization?
The belief that one is responsible for events outside of their own control. "My mom is always upset. She would be fine if I did more to help her."
What is Personalization?
Recognizing only the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive. One might receive many compliments on an evaluation, but focus on the single piece of negative feedback.
What is Disqualifying the Positive?
The belief that acts will influence unrelated situations. "I am a good person- bad things shouldn't happen to me."
What is Magical Thinking?
Interpreting the thoughts and beliefs of others without adequate evidence. "She would not go on a date with me. She probably thinks I'm ugly."
What is Mind Reading?
Seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation.
What is Catastrophizing?
Making broad interpretations from a single or few events. "I felt awkward during my job interview. I am always so awkward."
What is Overgeneralization?