Disqualifying The Positive
This Disqualifying The Positive information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists work more effectively with common thinking biases.
Disqualifying The Positive
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) suggests that our thoughts influence how we feel and how we act. However, some of our thoughts can be biased. Recognizing these ‘cognitive distortions’ or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’ can help you judge how accurate and useful your automatic thoughts are. This tool will introduce you to a common distortion called disqualifying the positive.
Overview
Cognitive distortions, cognitive biases, or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’ are the characteristic ways our thoughts become biased (Beck, 1963). Catching automatic thoughts and (re)appraising them is a core component of traditional cognitive therapy (Beck et al, 1979; Beck, 1995; Kennerley, Kirk, Westbrook, 2007). Identifying the presence and nature of cognitive biases is often a helpful way of introducing this concept - clients are usually quick to appreciate and identify with the concept of ‘unhelpful thinking styles’.
Disqualifying the positive is a well-known thinking style in which individuals ignore, dismiss, or discount their positive attributes and experiences. Disqualifying the positive can be especially pernicious because it can maintain negative beliefs in the face of overwhelming counter-evidence and contradictory everyday events.
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