Understanding The Cognitive Distortions and Emotional Regulation: The Systematic Review of Psychological Strategies

Abstract

Cognitive distortions and emotional regulation play a crucial role in psychological well-being, particularly among individuals suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to William Knaus (2014) describes cognitive distortions as “patterns of illogical and irrational thinking that lead to negative emotions and reinforce dysfunctional behavior.” According to Gross, J. J. (2015) Emotional regulation involves the “strategies individuals use to influence their emotional experience, including the timing of emotion generation, intensity, and the way emotions are experienced and expressed. This study synthesizes various studies that explore the relationship between cognitive distortions, emotional regulation, resilience, and therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. The findings highlight that cognitive distortions significantly impact emotional regulation, life satisfaction, and social relationships. Furthermore, interventions like CBT, mindfulness, and resilience training have been found effective in mitigating negative cognitive biases and improving emotional regulation. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the application of therapeutic approaches in addressing cognitive distortions and enhancing emotional regulation across different populations, including children, adolescents, and women with PCOS.