Thinking Errors

[Taken from a handout through Kaiser Permanente] - "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Overgeneralization - Taking a single negative situation or event and believing it is something that alwys or never happens. Example: He rejected me, so I am unlovable.

All or Nothing Thinking - Situations are either wonderful or terrible. Believing you are either perfect or worthless. Examples: I am a failure, unlovable, a total reject. I never do anything right.

Focusing on the Negative - Selectively paying attention to the negative in a situation and disregarding the positive. Example: All I can focus on is that one terrible mistake I have made. I am ruined!

Mind Reading - Assuming you know what other people are thinking or feeling without checking out your assumptions. Example: No one will talk to me at the party. They will reject me.

Self Blame - Assuming personal responsibility for a negative event or situation where there is little or no bias for doing so. Example: He's upset; it's my fault. I caused her problem.

Emotional Reasoning - Believing things are the way you feel about them. Example: I feel like a failure, therefore I am one. I feel so hopeless, I quit!

Labeling - Instead of describing your error, you attach a negative label to yourself. Example: I'm a loser. When someone else's behavior rubs you the wrong way, you attach a negative label to him/her. Example: He's an insensitive jerk!

Should Statements - Operating from a list of inflexible rules about how you and other people "should" act. There is no allowance for yourself or others, for vaciations in situations or changing conditions. Example: I have to do it this way or else! I should never get angry. They should treat me better.

Forecasting Bad News/Catastrophizing - Always expect disaster, you notice or hear about a problem or istuation and start anticipating the worst possible outcome. Example: I'll be embarrassed and rejected.

If you need further assistance on how to direct your thoughts, here are a few resources to check out:

Who Are you? ***great resource
What is Positive Thinking?
What if I suffer from Depression?