reframe
ree-FRAYM
/ˌriːˈfreɪm/
To frame or express differently; in psychology, to change the conceptual perspective or cognitive context of a situation.
Specifically denotes altering one's interpretation of an event from negative to constructive without changing the external facts.
The story behind the word. Combining 're-' (again) with 'frame' (a structural border), the term moved from literal picture framing in art into cognitive psychology during the 1970s (via Neuro-Linguistic Programming and therapy) to describe changing the 'border' around a mental image.
Word relationships
- reinterpret: Reinterpret is general analysis change, while reframe specifically alters the cognitive emotional context.
- fixate: Fixate means getting stuck on a single rigid interpretation.
Commonly confused with
- reform: Reform means physically changing systems or institutions, whereas reframe means changing psychological perception.
Word family
- reframing (noun): The act of changing a cognitive perspective.
Collocations
- reframe the problem
- reframe failure
- cognitive reframing
- reframe the narrative
Idioms & expressions
- look at the silver lining
Example sentences
- "Cognitive therapists teach patients to reframe failures as valuable learning experiences." Cognitive behavioral therapy text.
Memory hook
Put a NEW PICTURE FRAME around a bad event to see its hidden beauty. Change the picture's border.
When not to use
Do not confuse with physical picture framing unless speaking literally.
Fun facts
- Cognitive reframing was pioneered by Aaron Beck as a cornerstone of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Related words
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