So How Rational Really are You?
The Survey of Personal Beliefs is based on psychologist Albert Ellis’ rational emotive therapy method to psychotherapy.
People believe they are nervous, sad, or otherwise unpleasant because of what happens to them, but they are actually bothered by what they say to themselves about what happens to them, according to Ellis.
Consider the following scenario:
you arrive at work one morning and your employer informs you that you have been sacked.
Ellis would go on to say that while it’s unfortunate that you lost your job, it’s not the end of the world. You should take advantage of the opportunity to discover something about yourself that will help you succeed in your next employment.
And, since it’s unlikely that you were truly pleased with the position from which you were dismissed, this experience will allow you to seek out jobs that will be more fulfilling.
According to Ellis, telling yourself that losing your work is a tragedy is irrational, and that in order to feel better, you must embrace more rational, logical ways of thinking.
Ellis identified a number of illogical beliefs that were particularly widespread among sad, troubled people, and Howard Kassinove and Andrew Berger created the Survey of Personal Views to represent these common, irrational beliefs.
Ellis’ list of irrational ideas reflects a few recurrent themes, as you can see from reading the test items. One of them is that in order to feel valuable, we need to be loved and approved of by almost everyone.
The essence of this technique is to articulate these rational statements when you find yourself feeling bad. Ellis’ classic book, A Guide to Rational Living, is an excellent guide to help you in your effort to think more rationally and logically, but the essence of this technique is to articulate these rational statements when you find yourself feeling bad.
So, if you’re feeling down because a coworker said something hurtful about you, remind yourself, “I can’t please everyone.” If no one despised me, I’d be a fairly boring person.” If you’re feeling nervous about a minor issue, tell yourself that it’s out of your hands and that your life will go on as usual regardless of what occurs.
People hold a variety of opinions and beliefs. We’d like to get your thoughts on the following assertions.
Choose the number that best reflects your opinion on each statement below.