Interpretation
Interpretation is giving meaning to facts, signals or events based on context, beliefs and experience.
Definition
Interpretation is not the same as fact. The same stimulus can be interpreted as a threat, an opportunity, a slight or a neutral situation. Interpretive awareness helps you recognize cognitive distortions, test alternative explanations, and respond more appropriately.
Key ideas
- Fakt kontra znaczenie
- Wpływ przekonań
- Alternatywne wyjaśnienia
Practice and life
In a difficult situation, write down: a fact, my first interpretation, three other possible interpretations and data for each of them.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to treat the first interpretation as reality. A common mistake is to only look for data that confirms the initial meaning.
Questions for self-reflection
- Co jest faktem?
- Jaką interpretację dodałem?
- Jakie inne wyjaśnienie jest możliwe?