Cognitive Biases and Interpersonal Relationships: Part 1
Example
Mary notices herself feeling irritated when her brother in law gives her advice about how to do something she already knows how to do.
She thinks: He must think I’m really stupid if he doesn’t know I already know that. In a way, she feels attacked.
She acts: irritated.
Alternative interpretation.
She thinks: Maybe he was just trying to be helpful. If he was trying to be helpful, then its nice that he expressed caring. She feels better.
She acts: appreciative.
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About The Author
Alice Boyes, PhD.
Dr Alice Boyes is a former clinical psychologist turned writer. She is author of The Anxiety Toolkit (2015), published by TarcherPerigee, an imprint of PenguinRandomHouse. She blogs for PsychologyToday.com and Business Insider, and contributes to various magazines.
