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Jumping to Conclusions – Mind Reading

User Profile: Havingfuninthesnow
Havingfuninthesnow August 10th, 2022
This “Jumping to Conclusions” distortion manifests as the inaccurate belief that we know what another person is thinking. Of course, it is possible to have an idea of what other people are thinking, but this distortion refers to the negative interpretations that we jump to.
Seeing a stranger with an unpleasant expression and jumping to the conclusion that they are thinking something negative about you is an example of this distortion.

Can you give an example of Jumping to Conclusions – Mind Reading and then challenge the thought distortion?

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User Profile: LostTurtle22
LostTurtle22 August 10th, 2022

@Havingfuninthesnow

yeah, its a huge problem for immigrants with no language skills and I guess autistic types with communication problems.

1 reply
User Profile: Havingfuninthesnow
Havingfuninthesnow OP August 11th, 2022

@LostTurtle22

It is a problem for a lot of people and some people don't realize they are doing this thought distortion.

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User Profile: toughTiger6481
toughTiger6481 August 11th, 2022

this is a big problem i would guess in relationships as well...

i know it is in mine ...........I think people who have trouble communicating decide they can guess how a person feels / or what a person is thinking .... very bad idea.

sets you up for bad outcomes if you assume the person you are going to have to deal with is mad ... but in fact maybe they wince because they have some sort or pain ... you brace yourself and small things escalate all because you guessed wrong thing.


1 reply
User Profile: Havingfuninthesnow
Havingfuninthesnow OP August 11th, 2022

@toughTiger6481

Yes, that is true. Relationships suffer because of this thinking distortion and others.


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User Profile: LostTurtle22
LostTurtle22 August 11th, 2022

I learned from don Miguel Ruiz not to assume things and not to take things personally (from his 4 agreements book). I read books on CBT, too.

However, I can't use the knowledge in my behavior. When emotionally triggered, all the knowledge and logic goes away and I can't control my behavior. Ideas?

3 replies
User Profile: toughTiger6481
toughTiger6481 August 11th, 2022

@LostTurtle22

I think many of us resort back to items even after we read/ discuss/ learn other methods.....when emotional

it is a hard one to overcome in not making assumptions and I have tried several items like waiting to respond trying to repeat step back and evaluate to myself but in a disagreement or the closer a relationship is out the window goes all the practice.

User Profile: Havingfuninthesnow
Havingfuninthesnow OP August 12th, 2022

@LostTurtle22

What if you try using the DBT STOP skill to think for a minute before you proceed?


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2 replies
User Profile: LostTurtle22
LostTurtle22 August 12th, 2022

@Havingfuninthesnow

I'm aware of the DBT techniques, but for them to work, I think I need training. Like simulated triggering situations and a trainer. Maybe a therapist?

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