Emotional Reasoning

Emotional reasoning is a cognitive distortion that merits our attention, not only for its pervasiveness but also for the profound impact it can have on our mental health.
Emotional reasoning can be defined as the cognitive process in which individuals form conclusions and guide their actions based on their emotional state, rather than factual evidence or objective reality. Essentially, if you feel a certain way, you consider it as irrefutable evidence that your perception is the truth. For instance, if you're overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy during a meeting, you might conclude, "I am incompetent," despite a track record of successful performance.
This cognitive distortion is not an isolated phenomenon; it is often intertwined with various mental health disorders. Emotional reasoning is frequently observed in individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders, often exacerbating the negative cycle of these conditions.

But why does emotional reasoning hold such sway over our thoughts and actions? To unpack this, we need to delve into the realm of cognitive behavioural psychology. This approach posits that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, thus a distortion in one can create ripples in others, resulting in a distorted perception of reality (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer & Fang, 2012).

Strategies

Addressing emotional reasoning in therapeutic settings often involves the use of evidence-based techniques. Cognitive Behavioraul Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective interventions to help individuals modify this cognitive distortion. The first step is helping the person identify instances when they're basing their conclusions on their emotions rather than facts.

Once this awareness is established, the psychologist introduces the concept of reality testing. It encourages individuals to question their emotionally reasoned conclusions and seek objective evidence that either supports or contradicts their perceptions. For example, instead of accepting the feeling of incompetence as fact, the individual is encouraged to recall instances of successful performance, thus challenging the distorted belief.

Alongside reality testing, cognitive restructuring is another potent tool to tackle emotional reasoning. It aids individuals in replacing emotionally reasoned thoughts with more accurate, balanced ones. Instead of concluding "I am incompetent," a more rational thought could be, "I felt insecure in the meeting, but it doesn't reflect my overall competence. Everyone has moments of self-doubt."

Furthermore, learning emotional regulation skills can prove beneficial in managing emotional reasoning. Mindfulness, for instance, encourages individuals to observe their emotions without judgment, thereby reducing their tendency to use emotions as facts (Davis & Hayes, 2011).

The journey to overcome emotional reasoning may be challenging, but with the right understanding, professional guidance, and practice, one can navigate this cognitive distortion and enhance their mental wellbeing.

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Sources:

1. Mental Health Foundation. (2023).
2. Mind. (2023).
3. Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive therapy and research, 36(5), 427–440.
4. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023).
5. Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198–208.