Mapping Cognitive Patterns: A Network Analysis of Irrational Beliefs, Dysfunctional Attitudes, Automatic Thoughts, and Negative Cognitive Errors in Children

Abstract

Irrational beliefs, dysfunctional attitudes, automatic thoughts, and negative cognitive errors are key cognitive patterns associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. These constructs are foundational in therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but their relationships remain underexplored in child samples. This study examined the associations among these constructs in a sample of 615 children (grades 5-8) using network analysis. Two models were tested: Model A examined total scores of the variables, and Model B analyzed subdomains for irrational beliefs, automatic thoughts, and cognitive errors. Undirected Gaussian Graphical Models (GGMs) and Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) were applied to identify associations and potential directional pathways. In Model A, dysfunctional attitudes emerged as the most central variable, with automatic thoughts acting as a mediator between dysfunctional attitudes and irrational beliefs. Negative cognitive errors were less connected to other variables. Model B revealed personal failure (a subdomain of automatic thoughts) as the most central node, while demand for success (irrational beliefs) was closely linked to dysfunctional attitudes. The DAG analysis suggested that automatic thoughts predict irrational beliefs in children, differing from patterns observed in adults. The findings suggest that dysfunctional attitudes and automatic thoughts play central roles in children's cognitive patterns. Future studies should examine these relationships including psychopathological factors to deepen understanding.