Types 1
This is when we see things in black and white categories. There is no grey area.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking or Black or White Thinking or Polarization
Deciding about a situation based on how you feel about it.
What is Emotional Reasoning
Believing that the world is fair, which can create negative feelings when we get proof that life isn't fair.
What is Fallacy of Fairness
I will never be happy
"I may be unhappy now but that will pass"
"I have been happy before and I will be happy again"
All or Nothing Thinking or Polarization or Black or White Thinking
Taking everything personally and/or always blaming yourself for a situation that in reality has many factors
What is Overgeneralization or Labeling or Mislabeling
This is when we anticipate that things will turn out badly and act as if they already turned out that way.
What is Jumping to Conclusions - Fortune Telling
Thinking that you always have to be right and insisting on proving that no matter what the cost is.
What is Always Being Right
Driving really scares me, so obviously being in a car is completely unsafe
"Driving a car feels scary to me now and the more I practice, the more comfortable I'll be"
"Most people in cars don't get in accidents so there are risks, and it also isn't totally dangerous"
Emotional Reasoning
I should give my friend money because he asked me for it
I wish I could loan him money but I cannot afford it"
"I want to give my friend money because it makes me feel good and I have enough to spare"
"Should" Statements
This happens when we blow a negative event out of proportion.
What is Magnification or Catastrophizing
This is when we see ourselves as the cause of negative events that we are not responsible for.
What is Personalization
It doesn't matter how hard I try at anything - I'll never be able to graduate or get a good job
"Studying and turning in my homework will help me graduate, and graduating will help me have more job options"
"Sometimes things happen that are out of my control, and at the same time my actions do impact my life"
Control Fallacy
He didn't say hi to me this morning so he must be mad at me for something I did
"There could be many reasons why he did not say hi to me. It's probably not personal"
"I will check in with him later and make sure everything is ok"
Personalization
This is when we conclude that someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.
What is Jumping to Conclusions - Mind Reading
This is when we look at our strengths and trivialize them or attribute them to factors other than ourselves.
What is Mental Filter - Discounting the Positive or Minimization
Believing that we can't control anything in our lives or that we have complete control over everything, making us totally responsible for other people's feelings
What is Control Fallacy
My little brother will stop following me around once I figure out how to make him understand my embarrassment"
"I can try to explain why I need space to my brother, and at the same time he might not stop following me"
"My brother hasn't stopped following me even though I've asked him several times, so I'm going to ask my friends if we can hang out at their houses instead"
Fallacy of Change
I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now
"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and I can leave the party if I start to panic. But I should at least give it a try"
"I have been to these types of parties before and I have never had a panic attack. I will probably be fine"
Overgeneralization or Labeling or Mislabeling
This is when we pick out one negative detail in a situation and dwell on it exclusively.
What is Mental Filter - Negative
Thinking other people will change if we convince them to or pressure or encourage them enough.
What is Fallacy of Change
Believing that your struggles, suffering, and/or hard work will result in a fair reward
What is Heaven's Reward Fallacy
Since middle school has been so miserable, high school will be awesome!
"There will be good things and hard things about high school"
"I'll have a better time in high school if I can figure out things I can do to improve my experience"
Heaven's Reward Fallacy
I have had a headache for two days. I must have a brain tumor
"Headaches are common and happen occasionally. There is no need to worry"
"If my headache doesn't go away in a day I will make an appointment with my doctor to check it out"
"I am under a lot of stress and my body is probably telling me I need to take it easy"
Magnification or Catastrophizing