Cognitive distortions, as elucidated by Aaron T. Beck, are systematic errors in thinking that lead to biased perceptions of reality. These distortions skew our interpretations of events, leading to negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors. Common cognitive distortions include:

1. All-or-Nothing Thinking: Viewing situations in black-and-white terms, with no middle ground or shades of gray. This cognitive distortion leads to unrealistic expectations and overly harsh self-judgments.
2. Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions based on limited evidence or single instances. Overgeneralization involves applying negative experiences or outcomes to all similar situations, leading to a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.
3. Catastrophizing: Magnifying the significance of negative events and imagining the worst possible outcomes. Catastrophizing involves dwelling on potential disasters and underestimating one’s ability to cope, fostering anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
4. Personalization: Taking undue responsibility for external events or other people’s actions. Personalization involves attributing negative outcomes to oneself without considering other contributing factors, leading to feelings of guilt and self-blame.
5. Mind Reading: Assuming that we know what others are thinking or feeling without sufficient evidence. Mind reading involves projecting our insecurities and assumptions onto others, leading to interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings.
6. Discounting the Positive: Minimizing or disregarding positive experiences, achievements, or feedback. Discounting the positive involves focusing solely on negative aspects and overlooking evidence that contradicts negative beliefs, fostering low self-esteem and pessimism.