Investigation of the relatedness of cognitive distortions with emotional expression, anxiety, and depression

Abstract

It is theoretically recognized that cognitive distortions take part in the aetiology and prognosis of depression and anxiety disorders. Expressing emotions is contribute that to maintaining the mental health. This study was designed to investigate the relationship of cognitive distortions with emotional expression and the levels of anxiety and depression. The study was designed as a Descriptive Cross-Sectional trial. For this purpose, data were collected between September-November 2019 by applying face-to-face questionnaires from 200 first and second grade university students. Data analysis were performed using appropriate statistical analysis. In the analysis of the data, it was found that as emotional reasoning subscale score increased, intimacy expression subscale decreased. As mind reading and catastrophizing subscale scores increased, negative emotional expression subscale score increased. It was observed that as the total score of the Cognitive Distortions Scale increased, the total score of the Beck Depression Scale and the total score of the Beck Anxiety Scale increased. This study found that cognitive distortions of individuals affect their way of expressing emotions and their depression and anxiety levels. The results of our work in helping the individual psychologically can be guiding.