“For example, someone might have a set of assumptions that includes the statements “If I do well in school, my parents will love me” and “If I work out more, my peers will love me.” A possible core belief leading to both of these intermediate beliefs is “I am not loved” or “I am unlovable.” Also, you could discover that you hold a core belief along the lines of “People are mostly bad” if your automatic thoughts consistently reflect assumptions that people have bad intentions.”