Self-Defeating Behaviors (02:20)

FREE PREVIEW

Learn the ways in which self-defeating behaviors manifest themselves in individuals' lives. See several vignettes in which people display self-defeating behaviors.

Origins of Self-Defeating Behaviors (03:02)

The first step in overcoming self-defeating behaviors is to understand where they come from. Most stem from disturbed emotions or feelings. Learn about the "vicious circle of self-defeat" in which disturbed feelings lead to self-defeating behaviors, which lead to self-defeating consequences.

How Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Works (02:27)

Learn the definition of REBT. Our thoughts and beliefs about an event or situation trigger our feelings. To change the feelings, we must challenge our beliefs to discover where the disturbed thoughts come from and then replace them with appropriate feelings.

Negative Beliefs (05:31)

Most disturbed feelings stem from negative belief systems. Learn about "shoulds and awfulizing." See examples of these behaviors.

Self-Devaluation (01:59)

Learn about and see examples of self-devaluation. This belief and other negative beliefs are often associated with depression and other mental health issues.

Guilt (03:54)

Learn the difference between guilt and shame. Shame can lead to self-destructive behaviors. See a vignette in which a man wracked with shame has difficulty dealing with stressful situations. The father blames himself for the accident that might have been caused by something he failed to fix.

Changing Self-Defeating Thoughts (04:13)

REBT is based on the understanding that feeling excessive guilt or shame stems from how a person thinks about an event. REBT teaches that one can alleviate guilt and shame by changing thoughts and beliefs about the precipitating event(s). A panicked father gets good advice from a neighbor.

Self-Talk and Word Power (02:09)

Learn about the dangers of incorporating negative beliefs into our self-talk. These are the things we tell ourselves about ourselves. REBT teaches that one can challenge old, negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones. Learn how to replace self-defeating words with positive ones.

Mistakes: What Do They Teach Us? (02:45)

In a vignette in which a father blames himself for his son's broken arm, viewers hear how he uses words against himself, labeling himself in such a way that he can see no way out. At the root of his anxiety is that his wife might leave him and take their son with her. Can we learn from our mistakes?

Self-Forgiveness and Recovery (04:14)

Learn about steps in the recovery process. A panicked father struggles with self-forgiveness. He receives good advice from a friend who is also in recovery. The path to self-forgiveness begins with challenging self-defeating thoughts and beliefs. Learn the value of making plans and using affirmations.

Credits: Understanding Guilt: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (00:14)

Credits: Understanding Guilt: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy