Continuing our acquaintance with cognitive distortions (previous article: Cognitive distortions in stressful situations), we will consider those thinking errors that have the most negative impact on our self-esteem. Let me remind you that cognitive errors are distorted thinking styles , thanks to which our brain saves its resources, and therefore does not always correctly interpret reality. Cognitive distortions are subjective and inaccurate, and because of them we ignore specific circumstances and make mistakes. It is important to know about them and be able to recognize them in your thinking. One of the most common questions that psychologists turn to is the issue of self-esteem. Rationalization of thinking is an important stage in working with self-esteem, so cognitive distortions that affect self-esteem need to be “known in person”: Personalization The tendency to interpret complex events in terms of personal responsibility. This is when random events are given personal significance or responsibility. Almost everything around you is related to your relationship. For example: “My husband is not in the mood, I did something wrong”, “They are giggling, they are probably discussing me”, “A friend canceled the meeting, he does not want to communicate with me” Labeling This is an endowment people by global characteristics based on individual traits. An assessment of oneself or another person without the participation of analytical thinking, often based on a single event or action. It creates stereotypes, not allowing one to see the diversity of life. For example: “All blondes are stupid,” “I’m a loser,” “Frightened means a coward.” Overgeneralization Generalizing, as a rule, negative conclusions based on a single case or fact. It is easy to recognize by the words: always, never, everyone, no one, nowhere, everyone, constantly, forever, all the time, etc. For example: “I always support you, but you never support me,” “The date was unsuccessful, no one likes me.” “,” “It didn’t work out for me, it’s always like this with me.” Emotional justification This is when reality is determined not by reality, but by feelings. Something must be true, despite all logical arguments and facts, simply because a person “feels so” For example: “I feel lonely, he doesn’t love me”, “I feel stupid, then that’s the way it is”, “I’m sad today, my life is gloomy and dull” I described other cognitive distortions that affect self-esteem, such as “Dichotomous thinking”, “Mind reading”, “Shoulding”, “Devaluing the positive” in a previous article. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps reduce the impact of cognitive distortions on our lives . Contact us and together we will find a way to make your life better and clearer.