Cycle 10 - Video 1 - Smarter Than BPD Quiz

Understanding Emotional Reasoning in Borderline Personality Disorder

• Emotional reasoning is a pattern of problematic thinking in which intense feelings are believed to be true without evidence.
• This type of thinking can lead to acting out behaviors that sabotage relationships and cause problems in one's life.
• Emotional reasoning is common in both individuals with and without personality disorders, but those with personality disorders may experience it more intensely.
• Recognizing and understanding emotional reasoning is crucial for anyone who experiences this type of problematic thinking.
• Slowing down and challenging one's feelings are two key strategies for managing emotional reasoning.
• Individuals with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may be at a higher risk for experiencing perceptual distortions in thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
• Challenging emotional reasoning involves asking oneself what is causing the intense feelings and what factual evidence supports those feelings.
• Practicing these strategies on a continual basis, not just when triggered, can help individuals gain control over their emotions and respond positively in different situations.
• Emotional reasoning can lead to behaviors such as accusing others of lying or cheating, engaging in promiscuous behavior, or pushing others away.
• Challenging emotional reasoning adds a rational and controlling component to one's self-perception and response to situations.
• Mental health skills, like challenging emotional reasoning, are like roller skating in that the more one practices, the better they become.
• Building these skills can help individuals gain control over their emotions and respond positively to situations, even when triggered.