Cognitive distortions are general ways of thinking that distort reality in a negative manner. These patterns of thought are known as dysfunctional cognitive structures, which lead to errors of cognition about social reality.

According to Aaron Beck's theory, childhood experiences provided by the family and society develop core schemas or systems, which include beliefs and action patterns in the individual. For example, a client who was neglected by parents as a child develops the core schema of “I am not wanted”.

During the course of life, a critical incident occurs, such as the client being publicly ridiculed by a teacher in school. This critical incident triggers the core schema of “I am not wanted”, leading to the development of negative automatic thoughts.

These negative thoughts are persistent irrational thoughts such as “nobody loves me”, “I am ugly”, “I am stupid”, or “I will not succeed”. Such negative automatic thoughts are characterised by cognitive distortions. The repeated occurrence of these thoughts leads to the development of feelings of anxiety and depression.