10 common Cognitive Distortions

What are Cognitive Distortions?

Cognitive distortions are biased and negative perspectives that we take upon ourselves and the world surrounding us. These are irrational beliefs that are developed over time in response to adverse events. Often, these beliefs are so subtle that it is hard to separate them from day-to-day thoughts.

Aaron Beck first identified these distortions in his research with depressed patients in the 1960’s. First, they become a core part of his cognitive theory of depression and, later, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive distortions come in various forms but they have certain similarities-

• They are inaccurate or false.
• They are thinking about patterns or beliefs.