When you trick your mind into believing something that is not true or real, it is often referred to as "self-deception" or "cognitive distortion." Self-deception is a psychological phenomenon where individuals convince themselves of something that contradicts reality or the evidence available to them.
Cognitive distortions are specific patterns of thinking that can lead to self-deception. These distortions are common in various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. They involve biases and errors in how we perceive information, interpret events, and form beliefs. Some common cognitive distortions include:
Confirmation Bias: Focusing on information that supports preexisting beliefs while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence.
Overgeneralization: Making broad generalizations based on limited or isolated incidents.
Catastrophizing: Magnifying or exaggerating the negative aspects of a situation and expecting the worst possible outcome.
Emotional Reasoning: Believing that emotions reflect reality, assuming that if you feel a certain way, it must be true.
Black-and-White Thinking (All-or-Nothing Thinking): Viewing things in extreme, all-or-nothing terms, without considering any middle ground or nuances.
Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking or feeling without any evidence to support your beliefs.
Filtering: Focusing exclusively on the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring any positive elements.
Discounting the Positive: Belittling or downplaying positive experiences, accomplishments, or feedback.
Personalization: Assuming responsibility for negative events or outcomes that are beyond your control.
Should/Must Statements: Setting rigid and unrealistic expectations for yourself or others, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration.
It's important to recognize these cognitive distortions to maintain a more accurate and balanced view of reality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach in psychology to address and challenge these distorted thought patterns and promote more adaptive and healthier thinking. By becoming aware of cognitive distortions and learning to question and reframe them, individuals can improve their mental well-being and decision-making.