Jumping to conclusions is a type of cognitive distortion that involves making hasty decisions based on limited information. This tendency is linked to other thinking errors, and it manifests in two ways: mind-reading (assuming others’ thoughts) and fortune-telling (predicting future events).
The Jumping To Conclusions Cognitive Distortion handout offers information to help clients recognize common signs of this thinking pattern. It also provides examples drawn from fortune-telling and mind-reading scenarios. The last section of the handout lists 7 practical tips for clients to counteract these thought processes, such as daily stress management and journaling.
Understanding how this cognitive distortion works helps children and adolescents take control of their reactions in situations that trigger them. As a helpful tip, facilitate a group discussion where they can share instances when they may have made assumptions without evidence.
This handout can be found in our CBT Handouts Bundle, which is 19 pages of helpful resources highlighting a variety of cognitive distortions and CBT concepts.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of CBT worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Jolley, S., Thompson, C., Hurley, J. P., Medin, E., Butler, L., Bebbington, P., Dunn, G., Freeman, D., Fowler, D., Kuipers, E., & Garety, P. (2014). Jumping to the wrong conclusions? An investigation of the mechanisms of reasoning errors in delusions. Psychiatry Research, 219(2), 275–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.05.051
