The Study of Two Cognitive Distortions (Black and White Thinking and Mental Filtration) Based on Masnavi's Allegories

Cognitive therapy is one of the dominant approaches of contemporary psychology for the treatment of mental disorders, which is based on the reconstruction and modification of distorted cognitions and irrational and dysfunctional thoughts. Allegory is also one of the most effective and practiced methods that psychotherapists use in the process of cognitive therapy. In this descriptive-analytical study, some allegories of Rumi's Masnavi that imply the cognitive distortions of bipolar thinking and filtering of mind are presented and examined based on the explanation of the cognitive approach. The obtained results show that Rumi's allegories in Masnavi, while being in harmony with the original Iranian and Islamic culture, due to their proper structure, the technique of message recording in the mind of the audience, and inserting subtle points in how the allegory is presented in the text and the transmission process of concepts have particular potential in cognitive therapies. Because it links the theoretical and abstract concepts with vivid and dynamic images, it can be the most effective model and practical guide in the cognitive reconstruction of these distortions