An exaggerated or irrational thought pattern that reinforces negative thinking and contributes to emotional distress.
From Latin 'cognitio' (knowledge) + 'distortio' (a twisting). Concept from Aaron Beck and David Burns.
Cognitive distortions are thinking traps — like catastrophizing ('Everything is ruined!') or black-and-white thinking ('If it's not perfect, it's worthless!').
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