Negative thought patterns can significantly impact our well-being and overall quality of life. From self-doubt and catastrophizing to overgeneralization and black-and-white thinking, these patterns can create a cycle of negativity, anxiety and stress. Recognising and understanding these destructive thoughts is crucial, as it empowers us to challenge and change them. In this article, we delve into eight common negative or unhelpful thought patterns.
- All of nothing thinking
All-or-nothing thinking is also known as black and white thinking or polarized thinking. This type of thinking involves viewing things in extreme or absolute terms: good or bad/right or wrong. Remember, the truth generally lies somewhere in between.
- Overgeneralization
Overgeneralization happens when you make a sweeping assumption after a single event or experience. The words “always” or “never” are often associated with this way of thinking.
- Catastrophizing
Fixating on worst-case scenarios and concluding that the worst will happen despite a very limited view of something.
- Should Statements
Trying to motivate oneself through should and should-not statements, inducing unnecessary guilt and worry.
- Labeling/Mislabeling
Making quick judgements or analyses about who oneself or somebody else is intrinsically as a person, instead of seeing their behavior as situational and not something that defines them as a person.
- Personalisation & Blame
Blaming oneself for circumstances that aren’t your fault or outside your control, or placing the blame entirely on others and overlooking your own part in the situation.
- Confirmation Bias
The tendency to search for, interpret, focus on and remember information that is consistent with our preconceived ideas, beliefs and notions.
- Self-serving Bias
The tendency to attribute positive events to our own efforts and character and attribute negative events to other people or external factors.
