Our feelings of stress are often created by our thoughts and/or perceptions of the situation that we believe is causing those negative feelings. Students should learn that knowing what thoughts patterns/perceptions aggravate their stress gives them the power to alter those thoughts, which in turn, mitigates the stress. To prepare for this activity, it is recommended that teachers review this resource on the 15 Common Cognitive Distortions.
Class Discussion and Journal Reflection
Recommended for Intermediate and Senior students
Cognitive distortions are common habits or patterns of thinking that are often inaccurate and reinforce negative thinking and feelings. Distribute this graphic text of 10 common cognitive distortions (you can teach all 15 if you prefer). After review the distortion types and the examples provided, brainstorm as a class specific examples or scenarios for each type that is relevant to their particular age group. Then, share ideas on how each distortion type might be mitigated. |
Individually, each student will circle at least one distortion type that they feel has affected how they respond to situations. In a journal, they will reflect on times where they have approached situation using a distortion and how those types of thinking patterns have personally affected them. Finally, students will set goals for being mindful of and managing those distorted patterns of thinking as part of their journal entry.