The next cognitive distortion on the list is Jumping to Conclusions.
In this cognitive distortion, you arrive at conclusions (usually upsetting ones) prematurely. There are two forms this distortion can take:
- Mind Reading – In this form of Jumping to Conclusions, you decide you know what others are thinking. Assuming that others are thinking negative thoughts about you can lead to distress and depression.
- Fortune Telling – In this form, you make predictions about the future. Assuming that bad things are going to happen can also lead to distress and depression.
Example: Clyde’s Dinner Conversation
Clyde is having dinner with friends. As the conversation picks up speed, he grows ever quieter. His conversational style is slower and more thoughtful than the others at the table, and the conversation is moving so swiftly he finds it hard to keep up. He thinks: Everyone thinks I’m stupid. This is an example of the Mind Reading form of Jumping to Conclusions.
Example: The Magazine Rejection of Doom
Leslie has always wanted to try freelance writing. One day while reading a magazine, she thinks of a great article idea. She considers pitching the article to the magazine, but then changes her mind and thinks: They’ll just reject it. This is an example of the Fortune Teller form of Jumping to Conclusions.
In the next post, we’ll take a closer look at the next cognitive distortion on the list: Magnification.