Catastrophizing is a common cognitive distortion in which individuals imagine the worst possible outcome of a situation, regardless of its likelihood. This negative thought pattern often leads to heightened anxiety, stress, and an overwhelming sense of fear. In CBT, individuals are taught to recognize when they are catastrophizing and to challenge these exaggerated thoughts by examining the evidence for and against them. By reducing catastrophic thinking, individuals can better manage their anxiety and approach situations with a more realistic and balanced perspective, promoting improved emotional regulation.
