Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns
A worksheet to help grade 9 students identify and challenge common negative thinking patterns, enhancing their social-emotional well-being.
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Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns
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This worksheet will help you understand and identify common negative thinking patterns, also known as cognitive distortions. By recognizing these patterns, you can begin to challenge and change them to improve your overall well-being. Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability.
What are Negative Thinking Patterns?
Negative thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions, are irrational and unhelpful ways of thinking that can contribute to negative emotions and behaviors. They often develop over time and can become automatic, making it difficult to recognize when we're engaging in them. Learning to identify these patterns is the first step towards challenging them.
1. Which of the following best describes a 'cognitive distortion'?
A positive and realistic way of thinking.
An irrational and unhelpful thinking pattern.
A type of memory loss.
A creative problem-solving technique.
2. Why is it important to learn about negative thinking patterns?
To ignore negative thoughts completely.
To become more critical of others.
To recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
To develop new negative habits.
3. Negative thinking patterns can often become , making them hard to notice.
4. Challenging cognitive distortions is the first step towards improving your well-being.
5. All negative thoughts are cognitive distortions and should be eliminated.
True
False
6. Recognizing negative thinking patterns can help you respond to situations more effectively.
True
False
7. Briefly explain how identifying a negative thinking pattern can be beneficial.
Scenario Analysis: Identifying Cognitive Distortions
Read the following scenarios. For each scenario, identify a potential negative thinking pattern at play and explain why you think it fits that pattern.
8. Scenario: You received a B on a test and immediately think, 'I'm a complete failure. I'll never succeed in anything.'
Identified Thinking Pattern:
Explanation:
9. Scenario: Your friend didn't text you back right away, and you start thinking, 'They must be mad at me. I always mess things up.'
Identified Thinking Pattern:
Explanation:
10. Think about a time recently when you experienced a negative thought. Describe the situation and the thought. Then, try to identify if it aligns with any specific negative thinking pattern you've learned about. What could be a more helpful way to think about that situation?