DevaluationSelf-criticism is a common experience that many people face at some point in their lives. While a certain level of self-esteem can be beneficial for personal growth, excessive self-criticism can lead to negative thinking patterns and affect mental health. One way self-criticism manifests itself is through cognitive distortions, which are irrational thinking patterns that can affect our perception of ourselves and the world around us. One such cognitive distortion is positivity devaluation. What is Positivity Devaluation? Positivity devaluation is a cognitive distortion in which people minimize, ignore, or reject positive experiences or character traits in themselves by emphasizing the negative. This type of thinking can lead to a negative self-image, low self-esteem, and excessive self-criticism. For example, a person may receive positive feedback on a project at work, but instead of acknowledging the success and positive feedback, they may brush it off as “just luck” or “nothing special.” This way of thinking leads to devaluation of the positive and overemphasis of the negative. How does devaluing the positive contribute to self-criticism? Devaluing the positive contributes to self-criticism by reinforcing negative beliefs about oneself while ignoring or rejecting positive experiences or character traits. This can lead to negative self-talk and constantly dwelling on shortcomings, even when positive experiences are present. For example, a person may focus solely on his mistakes, while ignoring the successes he has achieved. This reinforces negative beliefs about yourself, leading to constant feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. How to Overcome Devaluing Positivity Overcoming a problem requires a conscious effort to reframe your thinking patterns. Practice gratitude: Take time to acknowledge and appreciate positive experiences, even the smallest ones. This can help retrain your brain to focus on the positive. Challenge negative self-talk: When negative thoughts arise, challenge them by questioning their validity and looking for alternative explanations. For example, if you receive positive feedback, let go of the idea that it was “just luck” or “nothing special.” Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Recognize that everyone has flaws and that it is okay to make mistakes. Discounting positivity can encourage self-criticism and negative self-talk. By practicing gratitude, challenging negative self-talk, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support, people can reframe their thinking patterns and overcome this cognitive distortion. This leads to a more positive self-image, increased self-esteem and healthier mental well-being. Psychological counselingPopov Sergey - https://www.b17.ru/popov_sergeySign up for a consultation on WhatsApp - 89152853918