This information sheet illustrates how cognitive biases contribute to depression.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Cognitive distortions or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’ are characteristic ways in which our thoughts can become biased. Different cognitive biases are associated with different clinical presentations. For example, catastrophizing is associated with anxiety disorders (e.g. Nöel et al, 2012) while dichotomous thinking has been linked to emotional instability (Veen & Arntz, 2000).
Depression is associated with a variety of cognitive biases, including a tendency to prioritize negative information while filtering out positive aspects. The Thoughts And Depression handout presents this information in engaging, visual form.
Cognitive biases play a key role in depression. This resource can be used to:
Characterized by loss of interest, alongside feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Often associated with low mood, pessimism, and hopelessness.
Explain what automatic thoughts and cognitive biases are.
Describe the cognitive biases associated with depression.
Encourage clients to identify and reflect on their thought patterns.
Discuss the implications of the resource for overcoming low mood.
Cognitive distortions, cognitive biases, or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’ are characteristic ways in which our thoughts can become biased (Beck, 1963). As conscious beings, we continuously interpret the world around us, striving to make sense of what is happening. Sometimes, our brains take shortcuts, leading us to think in ways that are not entirely accurate. These cognitive shortcuts result in various biases or distortions in our thinking.
Different cognitive biases are associated with different clinical presentations. For example, thought-action fusion is associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (Shafran et al, 1996).Depression is characterized by a cognitive bias that prioritizes negative information and interpretations while 'filtering out' more positive information. Mental filtering is also evident in how individuals with depression recall past experiences; they tend to remember unpleasant events more readily than positive ones (Beck, 1979).
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.