Les distorsions cognitives des victimes : symptômes et levier thérapeutique

Abstract

Cognitive distortions are mental processes that affect individuals and partially govern their relationship with the world. They manifest themselves at a very early age and are directly influenced by an individual's early life experiences, from which implicit learning about the world and oneself occurs. This acquisition is personal and biased, leading to the formation of cognitive filters that individuals reinforce in a self-perpetuating cycle. The information selected depends on these filters, and the processing of this information depends on the subject's distortions. These mental processes are present in everyone; however, certain populations, such as individuals with anxiety or depressive symptoms, victims, or those with post-traumatic stress disorder, exhibit specificities based on their life experiences. In light of the various therapeutic approaches and treatments related to the cognitive dimension, we propose a syllogistic model for understanding how victims from different social backgrounds and with a victim status perceive and confront the world. Two clinical vignettes are provided to illustrate this model. This approach is rooted in philosophy and cognitive psychopathology but is intended to be trans-theoretical and applicable regardless of the therapist's orientation.