Étude des profils de distorsion cognitive en fonction des états anxieux et dépressifs chez des adultes tout-venant

Cognitive distortions are defined as erroneous reasoning playing a crucial role in the emergence of a number of mental and emotional disorders (Beck, 1963, 1964). From the Beck's model of cognitive distortion (1963 ; 1964), the link between psychological states and cognitive distortion has been studied. Cognitive distortion vary with the anxiety and depression levels. 235 adults were questioned for this study (62 men and 173 women), From 18 to 68 years old (M = 25.56 years, ET = 8.95). The tool proposed by Pennequin and Combalbert (2015) who allows to identify and to quantify the cognitive distortions, was used along with HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) which measures the level of anxiety and depression. Positive correlation between the psychological states and the cognitive distortion was highlighted by the analyses of regression. The results also showed different cognitive profiles of distortion according to the orientation of the psychological state, anxious or depressive. The distortions “Minimization”, “Dichotomous Style” and “Requalification of the other pole” are particularly correlated to the level of depression. Indeed, the depression is rather characterized by a bias of inhibition of the positive events and in a memorization aggravated by the negative events. The distortion “Magnification”, “Lack of Style”, “Arbitrary Inference” and “Omission of the neutral” is more specifically bound at the level of anxiety. Indeed, attentional bias, difficulties inhibiting the menacing information and the global vision of the world characterize anxiety.