Final answer:
Cognitive distortion refers to the systematic errors in thinking that can distort our perception of reality and lead to irrational beliefs and behaviors. One example of cognitive distortion is the belief that one is the cause of everything, also known as personalization. This can lead to feelings of guilt, self-blame, and negative self-esteem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive distortion refers to the systematic errors in thinking that can distort our perception of reality and lead to irrational beliefs and behaviors. One example of cognitive distortion is the belief that one is the cause of everything, also known as personalization. This is when individuals tend to take personal responsibility for events or outcomes that are beyond their control.
For instance, if a student does not perform well on a test, they may believe that it is solely because of their lack of ability or effort, ignoring other factors such as the difficulty of the test or external distractions. This cognitive distortion can lead to feelings of guilt, self-blame, and negative self-esteem.
To overcome cognitive distortions, it is important to challenge and question our automatic thoughts and beliefs. This can be done by examining the evidence supporting or contradicting these beliefs and considering alternative explanations and perspectives.