Skip to main content

Cognitive Distortions: The little voice in our head we shouldn't listen to


A wise man once said you should never listen to the internal thoughts you tell yourself when you are upset or depressed.  The thinking behind that is that there are times when humans can be their own worst enemies.  During these times, we sometimes tell ourselves things that can be unhealthy.

One such negative is a cognitive distortion. Cognitive distortions are simply ways that our mind convinces us of something that isn't true. These inaccurate thoughts are usually used to reinforce negative thinking or emotions — telling ourselves things that sound rational and accurate, but only serve to keep us feeling bad about ourselves.

Listed below are fifteen commonly used cognitive distortions. 

1.      Personalizing- The process of making everything about yourself.

2.      Polarizing Thinking- The all or nothing process. You must be perfect, or you feel like a failure.

3.      Generalizing- Come to a general conclusion about life from a single incident.

4.      Filtering- Where you notice the details that support your internal thoughts and feelings while you ignore the contradictory evidence.

5.      Assuming- You will assume that you know why people are acting in certain ways.

6.      Blaming- You hold other people responsible for your feelings or problems.

7.      Should- Shaming word. It is very important to accept life as it is, not as it should be.

8.      Acting Out- An Adult Temper Tantrum. Things are not going your way and you throw a fit.

9.      Projection- When you unconsciously reject something about yourself.

10  Displacement- When you feel unable to directly confront someone who has injured you.

11  Entitlement- You feel that you are owed something.

12  Compartmentalizing- Used when you do not want to make a change in your behavior.

13  Denial- Temporarily denying what is evident currently.

14  Rationalization- Used to avoid feelings of guilt or shame.

15  Catastrophizing- The process of taking things to a negative extreme.

WWhich cognitive distortions do you think you are guilty of?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

China attempts "masculine" mandate

China is changing. A recent article in the NBC network on line addition discussed the case of a 13-year-old boy in Shanghai. Bu Yunhao was being bullied in his middle school, avoided on a class trip, called too girly and made fun of for the pitch of his voice when as class monitor he attempted to perform his duties. He was accused of spending too much time with girls and having alternative agendas when befriending boys. While Yunhao's classmates may have stopped bullying him, the Chinese government recently decided to define masculinity themselves. A recent announcement from the government states the government will “encourage masculinity” primarily by encouraging physical contact such as boxing. Authorities are also condemning pop cultural icons that don’t fit the prescribed mold while critics state they feel the government definition emphasizes what many consider to be outdated and damaging stereotypes for men and boys. According to an articvle published in NBC News "Boy...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is infidelity a form of domestic violence? Researchers say yes. (Homework Assignment for June 24 & 25.)

  A study conducted by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, found   infidelity  may have more in common with physical and psychological abuse than anyone has previously thought. Graduate students conducted interviews with individuals affected by extramarital affairs.   Study findings indicate unfaithful partners share many of the same characteristics as abusive partners. The cycle of events and reactions is similar in both. In both cases, a partnership may experience a build-up of tension, followed by the introduction of pain (either abuse or unfaithfulness), followed by a short period of guilt and reconciliation, which may include a short resolution period, after which the cycle starts again with renewed tension. As with abuse, cheating can become a habitual pattern in a relationship, possibly compounding the emotional trauma it creates. This pattern mirrors the cycle of violence experienced by domestic violence victims. Unfaithful partners show little...
Post a Comment
Read more

Coercive Control: Hard to See But Easy to Feel

  Imagine having the power to simple think someone into doing what you want, convincing them they are never right.   You are always the expert and there will be dire consequences if they do not follow your every whim, wish and demand.   Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that seeks to take away the victim's liberty or freedom, to strip away their sense of self. It is not just a person’s body that is violated but also their human rights.  And while most folks focusing on domestic violence think about things like striking another or strangulation, Coercive control , is not primarily a crime of violent action, but rather the crime of stealing another person’s freedom and autonomy. Coercion  occurs when a partner claims they're more knowledgeable or have your best interests at heart. They might explain that they're only trying to help, or they are looking out for the other person, but in reality, they are attempting, and often succeeding at, taking away...
Post a Comment
Read more