Cognitive fusion is a psychological concept central to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It refers to the tendency of individuals to become overly entangled with their thoughts, treating them as absolute truths rather than as transient mental events. People in a fused state often see their thoughts as inseparable from their identity or reality and to them it gives similar mental pleasure or pain like reality.
Individuals may find it challenging to distance themselves from distressing or intrusive thoughts, this also gets them far from reality or not accept it the way it is.
Parents to special kids are also prone to cognitive fusion, it can significantly impact how parents perceive and respond to their circumstances. It might take them away from the reality to accept the child’s needs or to provide the child with necessary therapy etc.
**Challenges**
-Self-Judgment and Guilt: Parents might experience thoughts like “I’m not doing enough for my child” or “It’s my fault my child has these challenges.” When fused with these thoughts, they may feel overwhelmed by guilt, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.
-Perceived Judgment from Others: Thoughts such as “People think I’m a bad parent” can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, as parents may avoid interactions to escape perceived criticism.
-Catastrophic Thinking: Future Anxiety: Thoughts like “My child will never be able to live independently” can lead to heightened anxiety and despair. Overprotection: Fused thoughts about potential dangers or failures can result in overprotective behaviors, which may inadvertently limit the child’s opportunities for growth and independence.
-Increased Sensitivity to Triggers: Cognitive fusion can make parents more sensitive to situations that trigger their fears or worries, such as interactions with healthcare providers or educators.
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