Overgeneralization is a cognitive distortion where individuals take a single negative event and assume that it will happen again or apply it to unrelated areas of their life. For example, after a failed job interview, a person might believe they will never get a job. This distorted thinking leads to feelings of hopelessness and depression. In CBT, therapists help individuals challenge overgeneralization by examining the evidence and recognizing that one negative event does not predict future outcomes. By developing more accurate and specific thinking, individuals can improve their outlook and reduce the emotional impact of negative experiences.
