Cognitive Distortions
Psychology tutorial 1: Identifying and correcting cognitive distortions
Introduction
Cognition is a word used to describe our thinking, for example cognitions consist of thoughts, ideas, expectations, beliefs and attitudes (Wright & McCray 2012). Cognitive distortions are habitual ways of interpreting information, situations and people that alter reality, so that an unnecessary negative view of one’s self, circumstances or future is generated (Wilkes, 1994).The main reason to resolve cognitive distortions, is that it results in unnecessary emotional discomfort and negative feelings are exerted such as feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt, rejection and helplessness (Burns, 1989).
This essay will be discussing a particular event which occurred and the feelings and thoughts related to the event. In addition to that, the thoughts will be examined for accuracy; rationality and functionality.
The Situation
One particular situation that comes to mind, was when I was in my law lecture, and the lecturer asked me a question, my heart was racing and all I could do was keep quiet because I did not want to sound stupid, or be perceived to be dumb if my answer was incorrect as I did not want to be judged by my classmates. The whole time the lecturer was looking at me, in anticipation of the answer, I went blank, even though I was paying attention during the lecture. I felt embarrassed as I did not know what everyone would think of me, so at that moment in time, all I could do was smile at the lecturer, and the lecturer looked at me and moved on.
Feelings
The feelings I felt during that moment in time when the lecturer asked me the question were fear, embarrassment and anxiety. I was fearful of what people may think of me, if my answer was incorrect. I was embarrassed, as I was asked the question and all I could do was not respond due to the fear I felt of others judging me. I was anxious as I did not know what to do and the fear of being perceived as
Introduction
Cognition is a word used to describe our thinking, for example cognitions consist of thoughts, ideas, expectations, beliefs and attitudes (Wright & McCray 2012). Cognitive distortions are habitual ways of interpreting information, situations and people that alter reality, so that an unnecessary negative view of one’s self, circumstances or future is generated (Wilkes, 1994).The main reason to resolve cognitive distortions, is that it results in unnecessary emotional discomfort and negative feelings are exerted such as feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt, rejection and helplessness (Burns, 1989).
This essay will be discussing a particular event which occurred and the feelings and thoughts related to the event. In addition to that, the thoughts will be examined for accuracy; rationality and functionality.
The Situation
One particular situation that comes to mind, was when I was in my law lecture, and the lecturer asked me a question, my heart was racing and all I could do was keep quiet because I did not want to sound stupid, or be perceived to be dumb if my answer was incorrect as I did not want to be judged by my classmates. The whole time the lecturer was looking at me, in anticipation of the answer, I went blank, even though I was paying attention during the lecture. I felt embarrassed as I did not know what everyone would think of me, so at that moment in time, all I could do was smile at the lecturer, and the lecturer looked at me and moved on.
Feelings
The feelings I felt during that moment in time when the lecturer asked me the question were fear, embarrassment and anxiety. I was fearful of what people may think of me, if my answer was incorrect. I was embarrassed, as I was asked the question and all I could do was not respond due to the fear I felt of others judging me. I was anxious as I did not know what to do and the fear of being perceived as