All or Nothing ThinkingBlack and white thinkingSeeing any situation less than perfect as a total failure

Over GeneralizationSeeing a negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeatWatch out for words like "always" and "never"

Mental FilterDwelling on a single negative detailObsessing about negative details

Discounting the PositiveRejecting positive experiences by insisting they are not meaningfulLeads to feelings of inadequacy

Jumping to ConclusionsMind Reading: Arbitrarily conclude that someone is reacting negatively to youFortune-telling: Predicting poor outcomes when there are no facts to support your conclusion

MagnificationExagergate the importance of problems or shortcomings

MinimizationReduce the importance of desirable qualities

Emotional ReasoningAssumes negative emotions reflect reality

Should StatementsBelieving that situations or actions "should" or "shouldn't" be a certain wayLeads to guilt when directed towards yourself/Leads to anger when directed towards others

LabelingAttaching labels to self or others when mistakes are made rather than seperating the action or behavior from the person

PersonalizationHolding yourself responsible for events that are not with in your control

BlameSeeing others as the cause of your porblems rather than taking personal responsibility

Burns, David D. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Quill, 2000.

The contents of this handout were developed under an agreement from the Federal Department of Education to the Kansas Department of Education.  However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Kansas Department of Education or the Federal Government.  TASN Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports is funded through Part B funds administered by the Kansas State Department of Education's Special Education and Title Services.  TASN Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:  Deputy Director, Keystone Learning Services, 500 E. Sunflower, Ozawkie KS 66070, 785.876.2214 

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Burns, David D. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Quill, 2000.