Good Friend vs Bad Friend Worksheet

This worksheet serves as a tool to distinguish between positive and negative thoughts, akin to identifying the traits of a good friend versus a bad friend. By doing so, it aims to foster self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?

One key theory is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which suggests that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that altering negative thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors. Another relevant theory is the Social Comparison Theory, which posits that individuals determine their social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others.

How Will This Worksheet Help You?

This worksheet is designed to help you in multiple ways:

  1. It will aid in identifying and understanding your thought patterns, particularly distinguishing between constructive and destructive thoughts.
  1. By recognizing negative thoughts, you can work towards replacing them with positive ones, improving your mental health and overall well-being.
  2. It can enhance your emotional intelligence by making you more aware of your internal mental landscape and how it affects your interactions with others.

How Should You Use This Worksheet?

Reflect on your thoughts and categorize them as 'good' or 'bad' based on how they make you feel and impact your actions. Be patient and non-judgmental with yourself during this process. It's not about labeling yourself as good or bad but understanding and improving your thought patterns.

Good Friend vs. Bad Friend Worksheet

Good Friend (Positive Thoughts)

Bad Friend (Negative Thoughts)

Characteristics

Characteristics

Supportive

Critical

Encouraging

Discouraging

Realistic Optimism

Pessimism

Non-judgmental

Judgmental

Empathetic

Insensitive

Motivating

Demotivating

Constructive

Destructive

Calming

Stress-inducing

Solution-focused

Problem-focused

Accepting

Rejecting

Examples

Examples

"I can try to do this."

"I'll never be able to do this."

"Everyone has their strengths."

"I'm not good at anything."

"This is challenging but possible."

"This is impossible."

"I can learn from my mistakes."

"I always mess things up."

"I'm grateful for what I have."

"I never have any luck."

References

Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press.

Festinger, L. (1954). "A theory of social comparison processes." Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.

You can download more Mental Health worksheets here.

Please note: There may be a more up-to-date and editable version of this worksheet available here which may be more suitable to present to clients if you are a therapist or to use in a classroom as a teacher or guidance counsellor.

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