Core and Cardinal Beliefs

Core beliefs are the most fundamental and deeply-rooted beliefs that we hold about ourselves, others and the world at large. Core beliefs were first proposed by Aaron Beck in the 1960’s, and have since become widely recognised in the development and maintenance of psychopathology and a cornerstone to the school of cognitive therapy.

Core beliefs often first develop during early life experiences and, whilst often rigid and resistant to change, they form the template that serves our perceptual systems over the course of our lifespan.

Core beliefs are formed by experiences, or rather more accurately perceptions of experiences.

Core beliefs may also be formed upon experiences prior to the development of adequate verbal abilities, and therefore remain subconscious and ambiguous. Fundamental experiences that often contribute to core beliefs include early life experiences, attachment and relationships, family dynamics, major life adversity, major life achievements and cultural norms. For example, a person who experienced significant criticism or rejection during childhood from their primary caregiver may develop core beliefs related to being unworthy or incompetent within other significant relationships.

Core beliefs often develop across certain broad dimensions such as beliefs about the self, others and the world. Beliefs about the self can be further be delineated into, beliefs about self-worth, self-efficacy, competency, identity as well as moral beliefs. Core beliefs are often global statements with either a negative or positive valence, such as “I am unlovable” or “I cannot tolerate adversity”.

Core beliefs function as a filter through which individuals interpret their experiences and make sense of the world. They influence how people perceive themselves, their interactions with others, and their expectations about the future. Core beliefs are often activated throughout the course of a day, an individual that holds the core belief that “I am unlovable”, is reminded of this core belief every time a romantic partner criticises them; or when they fall short of the expectations of others. Consequently, further reinforcing the perceived validity of this belief.

Considering our core beliefs are malleable, its within our best interests to identify and reconstruct our beliefs systems in order to best serve ourselves and the world at large. 

Core beliefs and our thoughts at large should best serve ourselves. Often internal dialogue may be over critical, negative and self-defeating. For most people they will be their own worst critic, or to take this further, their own worst enemy. When brought to light this is often a paradox, as most people treat others well, yet fail to recognise that they themselves exists within a relationship with themselves. Most individuals would be appalled if they treated or talked to others as they do to themselves. 

Mr Ethan Crothers ~ Psychologist

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