Identifying Automatic Thoughts - Homework

Requirements

• Automatic/Coping Thoughts Example worksheet (“Upcoming Exam”)
• Thought/Feeling worksheet
• 15 minutes of class (or one-on-one) time one day and 15 minutes on a subsequent day.

How it Works

1. The instructor first shares the example sheet containing two columns of thoughts associated with anticipating an upcoming exam. The teacher then explains that the left column contains thoughts that might automatically pop into a student’s mind, and that these “automatic thoughts” tend to be negative and can keep a person from bringing their most positive outlook to the exam.  It is then explained that the right column contains a more productive corresponding “coping thought”.
2. Next, students are provided with the Thought/Feeling Worksheet, which they will complete (for extra credit if applicable) as a homework assignment.
3. On a subsequent day the class can discuss the results of the homework.

Benefits

This exercise provides students with tangible examples of how damaging automatic thoughts can be, and how, by being more mindful of their thoughts, they can replace automatic thoughts with more positive, constructive coping thoughts.