Harmful Cognitive Distortions in Relationships

Heart
Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

What are cognitive distortions?

Cognitive distortions result from negative automatic thoughts, impacting one's perspective. They contribute to mental health issues like depression.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Selective abstraction

Selective abstraction is a cognitive distortion where one focuses on negatives and ignores positives. In relationships, it can harm by fixating on partner's flaws.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Overgeneralization cognitive distortion

Overgeneralization is a cognitive distortion where one assumes a negative experience will always repeat. This can limit growth and hinder relationships.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Catastrophizing

Catastrophizing in relationships is the tendency to assume the worst, blowing minor issues out of proportion. It can lead to unnecessary relationship strain.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Dichotomous thinking

Dichotomous thinking in relationships leads to extreme views, seeing things as either perfect or horrible. It hinders a balanced perspective and can strain the relationship.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

It strengthens the bond

Cognitive behavioral therapy strengthens partner bonds, fostering love and commitment. Mental health and addiction issues may lead to partner distancing due to perceived lack of understanding.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

The self-reference distortion

Cognitive distortions in relationships create a fear of judgment and a desire for a perfect image. Outside opinions can influence behavior and strain the relationship.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Personalization

Personalization distortion in relationships leads individuals to wrongly believe they are responsible for external events. They blame themselves for negative occurrences, even when they are not at fault.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Making your partner responsible for your emotions

Your partner isn't responsible for all your moods or constant happiness. In relationships, both individuals should provide support, but blaming them for every negative emotion is unfair.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

The always being right cognitive distortion

Distorted thinking in relationships disregards differing perspectives, dismissing partner's feelings and opinions as invalid.

Dot
Multiple Blue Rings

Expectations of perfection

Unrealistic expectations in relationships lead to disappointment, such as expecting perfection and mind-reading abilities from your partner.

Dot

Ways Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Benefits Couples 

Heart
Dot