Daily Mood Log

A Daily Mood Log is a core cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tool used to identify, analyze, and reframe negative thoughts and emotions. It was developed by Dr. David D. Burns, a psychiatrist and pioneer in cognitive therapy, as part of his Feeling Good framework. This structured exercise helps individuals challenge cognitive distortions, regulate emotions, and develop healthier thought patterns.

This template provides users with a consolidated database of entries and views that help organize, see trends, and share in a useable format with healthcare professionals.

Structure of a Daily Mood Log
A typical Daily Mood Log, as outlined by Burns in ‘Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy’ and ‘The Feeling Good Handbook’, consists of several key sections:

1. Triggering Event – The user records a specific event or situation that caused emotional distress.

2. Emotions and Intensity – The individual identifies their emotions (e.g., sadness, anxiety, guilt) and rates their intensity on a scale from 0 to 100%.

3. Automatic Thoughts – The user lists the self-critical or negative thoughts associated with the event, which often include cognitive distortions like all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, or mind-reading.

4. Cognitive Distortions – The person identifies the specific distortions present in their automatic thoughts (e.g., overgeneralization, personalization).

5. Rational Response – The individual reframes their thoughts using logical, evidence-based reasoning to develop a healthier perspective.

6. Reassessment of Emotions – The person re-rates their emotions after the cognitive restructuring process to assess improvement.

Purpose and Benefits
The Daily Mood Log is designed to help individuals:

• Recognize the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

• Identify negative thought patterns contributing to depression and anxiety.

• Challenge and replace irrational beliefs with more balanced thinking.

• Track emotional progress over time.

David Burns’ Influence
Dr. Burns introduced the Daily Mood Log as part of his Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and TEAM-CBT model, emphasizing Testing beliefs, Empathy, Agenda-setting, and Methods for change. His work, especially ‘Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy’, is widely regarded as one of the most influential books on CBT, helping millions combat depression and anxiety.

By using the Daily Mood Log, individuals can systematically rewire their thinking, fostering long-term emotional resilience and mental well-being.