What is cognitive restructuring?

Cognitive restructuring is a process of identifying irrational or unhelpful thoughts that influence emotions and behaviour. These irrational thoughts are often referred to as ‘cognitive distortions’.

Types of cognitive distortions

Cognitive distortions are a prevalent feature of clinical mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders e.g. anorexia and bulimia. They can also significantly influence performance. For example, if you have negative thoughts about your capabilities, you are more likely to feel negative emotions e.g. defeated, demotivated, a lack of confidence. As a result you are likely to perform, sub optimally or in a way that is detrimental to performance.

Conversely, if you maintain positive and rational thoughts about your capabilities, you are more likely to feel positive emotions that encourage elite performance e.g. confidence and motivation. Subsequently, you are more likely to behave or perform in a way which reflects those thoughts and feelings e.g. trying to execute a new skill or going beyond what is required of you.

What is the theory behind cognitive restructuring?

Research in this area is extensive and originates from rational emotive behaviour therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.

Aaron Beck (1976) offered the cognitive triad (above) which demonstrates the cycle of the thoughts, emotions and behaviour. As the cycle repeats, ironically, people reinforce their own beliefs about themselves and their abilities. To combat this, it would make sense to begin to reconstruct your beliefs by understanding your thought patterns that lead to certain types of performances.

Albert Ellis, offered the ABC model as a template for cognitive restructuring. It encourages you to firstly, identify the event or experience which triggered thoughts or beliefs about yourself. Second, to identify what those beliefs were and lastly, the result of those beliefs. Ellis, suggested that it is not the event itself which, causes maladaptive emotional and behavioural responses but the way you interpret the event. Therefore, if you are able to reframe the situation and train your mind to think rationally and constructively, you are better equipped to perform at a high level.