What are some examples of cognitive distortion?
Cognitive Distortions and Fluency Examples
Table of Contents
What are some examples of cognitive distortion?
Cognitive Distortions and Fluency Examples

Cognitive Distortion | Definition |
---|---|
Fallacy of Change | An expectation that others will change if they exert enough pressure. |
Always Being Right | A need to be right about themselves and other people. |
Heaven’s Reward Fallacy | A feeling that there will be an ultimate reward for sacrifice, |
What are Beck’s cognitive distortions?
A good example of a cognitive distortion is what Beck originally called ‘selective abstraction’ but which is often now referred to as a ‘mental filter’. It describes our tendency to focus on one detail, often taken out of context, and ignore other more important parts of an experience.
How do I know if I have cognitive distortions?
10 Cognitive Distortions Identified in CBT
- All-or-Nothing Thinking.
- Overgeneralization.
- Mental Filters.
- Discounting the Positive.
- Jumping to Conclusions.
- Magnification.
- Emotional Reasoning.
- “Should” Statements.
Is cognitive distortion a mental illness?
Distorted thinking, also called cognitive distortions, is a pattern of inaccurate, damaging thoughts. Distorted thinking is a common symptom of many different mental health disorders, including both generalized and social anxiety and personality disorders.

Is depression a cognitive distortion?
According to 2018 research, self-report data suggests that cognitive distortions are more commonly seen in people with depression than those without. And an international 2020 study notes that negative thoughts are a “hallmark feature” of depression.
What causes polarized thinking?
Polarization. Polarized thinking is thinking about yourself and the world in an “all-or-nothing” way. When you engage in thoughts of black or white, with no shades of gray, this type of cognitive distortion is leading you. For example, your coworker was a saint until she ate your sandwich.
How is cognitive distortion treated?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized form of talk therapy in which people learn to identify, interrupt, and change unhealthy thinking patterns. If you’d like some guidance in identifying and changing distorted thinking, you might find this type of therapy useful.