Root thoughts determine the way we perceive life

Cyprus International University (CIU), Faculty of Education, Department of Primary Education, Preschool Education Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağla Gür, stated that root thoughts determine the way we perceive life and interpret the world. “Also known as core beliefs, these thoughts that are developed as a result of childhood experiences; refers to the beliefs that a person develops about themselves, the people around them, and life” she continued.

Stating that it is important to discover our root thoughts, Gür indicated to objectively observe and analyze the themes in one's life, the similar events they repeatedly experience, their evaluations of daily life and automatic reactions to events, would help in learning their root thoughts.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gür said that root thoughts can be positive or negative, and that the basis of negative root thoughts about ones self is generally despair (not being helped), worthlessness and being unloved, and that these negative thooughts lead to feelings of self-worthlessness, feeling inferior to others, feelng unloved, and situations such as experiencing difficulties in establishing a relationship with others.

Negative root thoughts may cause depression in adolescence and adulthood
Noting that negative root thoughts begin to develop in childhood, Gür stated that some studies have concluded that root thoughts can be triggered by various events and cause depression and similar mental disorders in adolescence and adulthood.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gür, stated that it may be difficult to change negative root thoughts, and went on to say, “For this reason, childhood is important. In this context, qualified education of children is essential for healthy societies ”.

With root thoughts developed for the environment, Gür stated beliefs such as the environment / others / life being dangerous, unreliable, enemy, bad, etc. are prevalent, and “if the root thoughts are positive and supportive, the person's perspective on life will be positive and life will be shaped in this direction”.

Based on all these, Gür pointed out that preventive psycho-education programs to support social mental health are of great importance for healthy generations, productive and successful societies, and said, “Education of mothers and teachers on positive thinking and subjective well-being will contribute to the growth of future generations".