What are the 8 types of cognitive distortions?

Sometimes we get too carried away by our emotions. And the worst of all is that sometimes we do not know how to interpret them. We have the preconceived idea that what we feel becomes a kind of irrefutable reality that has no discussion

As human beings that we are, it is very normal that sometimes we feel sadness, lack of love, anger, stress or rejection. These are emotions that will accompany us until the end of our days. Although on the other hand it is important to know how to interpret them at all times so that they never completely overcome us.

For this reason, we have found interesting to make the following list with the eight types of cognitive distortions.

The most common cognitive distortions

1. Overgeneralization

This is one of the most widespread cognitive distortions within society. We have the preconceived idea that a particular event will be converted as a kind of general rule from now on. A clear example of this is saying: "My ex-boyfriend was fatal to me. If all men are equal. "

2. Selective abstraction  

This is one of the cognitive distortions preferred by pessimists by nature. This is based solely on delving only into the negative aspects of any area to reinforce the idea that the person is not valid. "I have done the first exam and it was fatal. I think I will not study more because I'm not worth for this. "

3. Confirmatory bias

This is something similar to the previous ones. And it is simply based on accepting reality as a belief or thought that you had previously manufactured in your head. Through the results of our events, we think that they will become a rule from now on: "The tortilla came out badly. If I'm not worth cooking. "

4. Arbitrary inference

The truth is that we love to make value judgments or make conclusions quickly and directly. However, sometimes we do not realize that there are other factors that can define any person, scope or situation. "The first day I met him, he barely interacted with anyone. I think this guy is an asocial. "

5. Thinking reading

Through this cognitive distortion we tend to take our thoughts and ideas as irrefutable truth. Although I'm sure that most of the time we will not have checked: "No one looked at me when I made an appearance. I'm sure they all fall fatally. "

6. Error of the fortune-teller

Those who suffer from this cognitive distortion have as a kind of innate ability to guess the future. They tend to take an isolated fact in the present that has ended adversely, to make sure that they are not worth it as people: "In the end it was fatal for me at the appointment. Do you see how I'm always going to go wrong in love? "

7. Personalization

This cognitive distortion tries to define the whole personality of a person, about a particular event with the objective of converting it into a norm. "The other day Pepito looked at me in a strange way. I'm sure you're angry with me. So from now on I'll go over him. "

8. Fallacy of the divine reward

This is another of the cognitive distortions that we usually take when we want to change things, but without the need to explore our limits or leave our comfort zone. "I'm sick of having bad luck:" I'm going to stop looking for work and sooner or later I'll get one. Because that's impossible. " This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Psychologist. We advise you to consult your trusted Psychologist.

CBT Cognitive Distortions Animation (April 2024)