Unhelpful Thinking Styles:  Jumping to Conclusions 

Here we will follow on with our segment of unhelpful thinking styles that can contribute to feeling down, increased anxiety, being tired, moody or defiant, and experiencing painful emotions.

Jumping to Conclusions

“You’re jumping to conclusions!” is what I have experienced many times in my lifetime — a conclusion which is being made without really knowing if there is any evidence to support it. 

Although we might like to think that if we ‘have a hunch’ about something it is usually right, there are times when we are not right.

Do we sometimes over think some situations and create these miraculous powers which can now read people’s minds. 

Mind reading and perceived negative evaluation by others assuming the worst and thinking it reflects badly on you is a major contributor to social anxiety and can contribute to social isolation in class/school playgrounds and school refusal.

For example: Susie is talking, and the person Susie is talking to doesn’t seem to be paying attention. Susie’s immediate thought is ‘I’m sure they don’t like me’. (In fact, it might be that they’re just distracted, or stressed about something unrelated to Susie and are having a hard time focusing.)

If this sounds familiar with your child, then what can you do to help?

Firstly, help your child recognise and identify this distorted thinking pattern when you see it and challenge their thinking without judgement. 

Sometimes there is no right or wrong answer, however, if it is negatively impacting on their behaviour and their belief system then the pattern needs to change.

The most important thing to do when guiding your child through this is making sure your child doesn’t feel illogical or silly.

Together come up with evidence FOR and evidence AGAINST this belief.

Ask the question: How did you come to this conclusion?

Did someone tell you this?

What part do you know for sure?

Taking the time, having patience and non-judgemental questioning will aid your child in changing this thinking pattern of jumping to conclusions.

Mandy Barr

Counsellor