Table : TABLE 15.4
Irrational Beliefs
  • It is a dire necessity for you to be loved or approved of by virtually everyone in your community.

  • You must be thoroughly competent, adequate, and achieving in all possible respects if you are to consider yourself worthwhile.

  • Certain people are bad, wicked, or villainous, and they should be severely blamed and punished for their villainy. You should become extremely upset over other people’s wrongdoings.

  • It is awful and catastrophic when things are not the way you would very much like them to be.

  • Human unhappiness is externally caused, and you have little or no ability to control your bad feelings and emotions.

  • It is easier to avoid than to face difficulties and responsibilities. Avoiding difficulties whenever possible is more likely to lead to happiness than facing difficulties.

  • You need to rely on someone stronger than yourself.

  • Your past history is an all-important determinant of your present behavior. Because something once strongly affected your life, it should indefinitely have a similar effect.

  • You should become extremely upset over other people’s problems.

  • There is a single perfect solution to all human problems, and it is catastrophic if this perfect solution is not found.

Source: Information from Ellis (1991).