Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Awfulizing in Psychology

 




Awfulizing is a term coined by Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). It refers to a cognitive distortion where an individual tends to focus on or exaggerate the negative aspects of a situation, often making it seem worse than it actually is (Tobias, 2015). Essentially, awfulizing involves thinking about an event as horrific and terrible, which can lead to unhealthy negative emotions like anger, anxiety, and depression. Ellis emphasized that challenging this tendency to awfulize events can be helpful for coping and mental well-being.

Examples

School- missing an assignment deadline.

I’m going to fail this class. I’ll never get a good recommendation.

Challenge: Communication and corrective action may improve the situation. A professor’s recommendations are often based on a history with a student rather than a one time event.

Relationships: A minor disagreement in a relationship

That’s it. It’s over. We’ve come to a parting of the ways.

Challenge: It’s normal for people to disagree. If there was an offense, it can be forgiven.

 

Religious- an exaggerated moral failure

I’m a sinner. I can never do anything right. I’m headed for hell.

Challenge: All people struggle to do what is right. There is grace and mercy. Sins can be forgiven.

 

References

Ellis, A., & Harper, R. A. (1975). A new guide to rational living. New York: Prentice-Hall. [Read a summary]

Tobias, K. (2015). Awfulizing time. Albert Ellis Institute. Retrieved from (https://albertellis.org/2015/07/awfulizing-time/).

Sutton, G. W. (2024, April 24). Awfulizing in psychology. PSYCHOLOGY concepts and theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/04/awfulizing-in-psychology.html

Related Posts

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy


Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation. 


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