Reduction of Deterministic Thinking Among Cancer Patients as a New Method to Increase Psychosocial Adjustments

authors:

avatar Seyyed Jalal Younesi 1 , * , avatar Akramsadat Mirafzal 1 , avatar Mahdieh Tooyserkani 1

Dept. of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

how to cite: Younesi S J, Mirafzal A, Tooyserkani M. Reduction of Deterministic Thinking Among Cancer Patients as a New Method to Increase Psychosocial Adjustments. Int J Cancer Manag. 2012;5(2):e80805. 

Abstract

Background: Deterministic thinking is one of the major cognitive distortions. This type of thinking ignores any possibility in making a conclusion about events. Any consequence of an event may be thought as: 2×2= 4. Equality is a dominant factor among all conclusions of this kind of distortion. Distortion emerges in cognitive rigidity in the mind and could be the source of all distortions. Cognitive rigidity is a main reason for depression and other psychosocial maladjustments.
Methods: Challenging distortion was discussed as a new method for improving psychological conditions of cancer patients. Adapting the cultural base of the method, distortion is explained as a destructive factor which ruins the balance of fear and hope, the two important signs of faith in Islamic perspective.
Results: The consequence of challenging distortion to reduce depression and anxiety has been explained based on the Islamic Culture.
Conclusion: For the first time, in this study, it was proposed that how this method can be used in the treatment of psychological disorders of cancer patients.

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