Health & Medical Mental Health

What Are Should Statements?

Updated March 26, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Definition:

Should statements are common thought distortions among those with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Should statements usually involve the use of words such as "should," "must," "never," and "always." They are rigid perfectionistic ideals about how you should interact with the world and your own expectations for your behavior.

Example:

"Everyone must like me."


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