The Danger of Emotional Reasoning and Using Our Emotions as Proof

The Danger of Emotional Reasoning and Using Our Emotions as Proof

Emotional reasoning is a mechanism that can lead people to take their emotions as information about the external world, even when the emotion is not generated by the situation to be evaluated. This means that our emotions can sometimes deceive us, leading us to believe things that are not objectively true. This concept was first introduced by American psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1970s, who referred to thought responses to an emotion as "automatic thinking".

What makes emotional reasoning particularly dangerous is that it can impact not only individuals struggling with their mental health, but also those who do not have any specific mental health issues. Studies have shown that isolated automatic thoughts can result in negative thought cycles, leading to increased anxiety and a decline in performance. When we believe our emotions as proof, we may struggle to focus, make mistakes, or see a decline in our output. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the negative thoughts perpetuate and create a cycle of emotional reasoning.

So, how can we overcome this tendency to rely on emotional reasoning? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Practice Validity Testing: Validity testing is key to checking whether you are experiencing emotional reasoning. When you find yourself caught in a negative thought cycle, take a step back and search for objective evidence to prove that this belief is true. Look for facts, data, or logical reasoning that counteracts the emotional belief you are holding onto. By challenging your emotions with objective evidence, you can start to break free from the cycle of emotional reasoning.

2. Write in a Journal: Journaling is a great way to pay attention to your thought patterns and identify when emotional reasoning is affecting you. Specifically, you should record the difficult situations you face and which emotions or thoughts a dilemma provokes. By recording your feelings in this way, you can reflect on your natural thought patterns and begin to reject negative thoughts before they take hold. Writing in a journal also provides an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and how they may be influencing your reasoning.

3. Discuss Your Emotions: If you feel anxious about work, for example, you may struggle to accurately assess your performance. In these situations, it can be helpful to talk to a trusted colleague or friend about your concerns. By discussing your emotions with someone else, you can gain a fresh perspective and receive a much-needed objective view. Sometimes, simply verbalizing your emotions and concerns can help you see things more clearly and break free from the trap of emotional reasoning.

Incorporating these three practices into your daily life can help you overcome the danger of emotional reasoning and ensure that you make decisions based on objective truths rather than deceptive emotions. By practicing validity testing, writing in a journal, and discussing your emotions with others, you can gain a better understanding of your thought patterns and break free from the cycle of negative thoughts.

In conclusion, emotional reasoning can be a dangerous trap that leads us to rely on our emotions as proof, even when they are not objectively true. However, by practicing validity testing, journaling, and discussing our emotions with others, we can overcome this tendency and make decisions based on objective truths. Remember, our emotions are important, but they should not be the sole basis for our beliefs and actions.