Ego-dystonic refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors,…

Ego-dystonic refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that may feel inconsistent with a person’s self-image, values, or identity.

In simple terms:
“This doesn’t feel like me.”

Examples:

  • Someone with OCD having intrusive thoughts they find disturbing or unacceptable
  • A person feeling urges or impulses that clash with their moral beliefs
  • Anxiety-driven thoughts that the person knows are irrational but still distressing

Opposite:

  • Ego-syntonic: feels consistent with who you are (beliefs or behaviors you see as normal or acceptable)

Shervan K Shahhian

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