Disqualifying the positive

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 109 views

Understanding the Distorted Self: A Key to Mental Health

When it comes to mental health, understanding the complexities of the human mind is crucial. One technique that has been widely studied and applied in the field of psychology is based on the principle that a person will systematically and negatively distort their view of the self, the environment, or the future. This technique is known as Cognitive Distortion, and it plays a significant role in various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

What is Cognitive Distortion?

Cognitive distortion is a thought process that involves the systematic and negative distortion of one's view of the self, the environment, or the future. It is a common phenomenon where individuals tend to perceive reality in a biased or distorted way, often leading to negative emotions, behaviors, and outcomes. Cognitive distortion can manifest in various forms, including:

All-or-nothing thinking: viewing situations as either all good or all bad
Overgeneralization: making broad conclusions based on limited information
Mental filtering: focusing on negative aspects while ignoring positive ones
Disqualifying the positive: dismissing positive experiences or achievements
Jumping to conclusions: making assumptions without sufficient evidence

Techniques Based on Cognitive Distortion

Several techniques are based on the principle of cognitive distortion. One such technique is Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that aims to resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. It is based on the idea that individuals are more likely to change their behavior when they are motivated to do so.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing is a technique that has been widely used in various settings, including healthcare, education, and social work. It is based on the principles of cognitive distortion and aims to help individuals resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. MI involves a series of steps, including:

Engaging: building rapport and establishing a positive relationship with the individual
Focusing: identifying the individual's goals and values
Evoking: exploring the individual's motivations and ambivalence
Planning: developing a plan for behavior change

Other Techniques

While Motivational Interviewing is a well-established technique based on cognitive distortion, other approaches also exist. For example:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): a type of psychotherapy that combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to manage emotions and behaviors
Family Education and Support: a type of intervention that aims to educate and support family members in managing mental health conditions

In conclusion, cognitive distortion is a complex phenomenon that plays a significant role in various mental health conditions. Techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are based on the principle of cognitive distortion and aim to help individuals resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. By understanding cognitive distortion and its underlying principles, mental health professionals can develop effective interventions to support individuals in managing their mental health.

Beck, A. T. (1977). Cognitive therapy: A new approach to the treatment of depression. Guilford Press.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cognitive Distortion and Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive distortion is a complex phenomenon that plays a significant role in various mental health conditions. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a technique that has been widely used to help individuals resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about cognitive distortion and Motivational Interviewing.

Q: What is cognitive distortion?

A: Cognitive distortion is a thought process that involves the systematic and negative distortion of one's view of the self, the environment, or the future. It is a common phenomenon where individuals tend to perceive reality in a biased or distorted way, often leading to negative emotions, behaviors, and outcomes.

Q: What are some common examples of cognitive distortion?

A: Some common examples of cognitive distortion include:

All-or-nothing thinking: viewing situations as either all good or all bad
Overgeneralization: making broad conclusions based on limited information
Mental filtering: focusing on negative aspects while ignoring positive ones
Disqualifying the positive: dismissing positive experiences or achievements
Jumping to conclusions: making assumptions without sufficient evidence

Q: What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

A: Motivational Interviewing is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that aims to resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. It is based on the idea that individuals are more likely to change their behavior when they are motivated to do so.

Q: What are the four stages of Motivational Interviewing?

A: The four stages of Motivational Interviewing are:

Engaging: building rapport and establishing a positive relationship with the individual
Focusing: identifying the individual's goals and values
Evoking: exploring the individual's motivations and ambivalence
Planning: developing a plan for behavior change

Q: How does Motivational Interviewing help individuals resolve ambivalence?

A: Motivational Interviewing helps individuals resolve ambivalence by:

Exploring the individual's motivations: understanding what drives the individual's behavior
Identifying the individual's values: understanding what is important to the individual
Developing a plan for behavior change: creating a plan to achieve the individual's goals

Q: Can Motivational Interviewing be used with individuals who are resistant to change?

A: Yes, Motivational Interviewing can be used with individuals who are resistant to change. In fact, MI is particularly effective with individuals who are ambivalent or resistant to change.

Q: What are some common challenges in implementing Motivational Interviewing?

A: Some common challenges in implementing Motivational Interviewing include:

Difficulty in building rapport: establishing a positive relationship with the individual
Difficulty in identifying the individual's goals and values: understanding what is important to the individual
Difficulty in exploring the individual's motivations: understanding what drives the individual's behavior

In conclusion, cognitive distortion is a complex phenomenon that plays a significant role in various mental health conditions. Motivational Interviewing is a technique that has been widely used to help individuals resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. By understanding cognitive distortion and the principles of Motivational Interviewing, mental health professionals can develop effective interventions to support individuals in managing their mental health.

Beck, A. T. (1977). Cognitive therapy: A new approach to the treatment of depression. Guilford Press.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.