katastrofiseerimine
Katastrofiseerimine, also known as catastrophizing, is a cognitive distortion characterized by the tendency to expect or imagine the worst possible outcome for a situation, even when it is unlikely. It involves exaggerating the potential negative consequences of an event or situation, leading to heightened anxiety and distress. This pattern of thinking can manifest in various ways, such as assuming that a minor setback will lead to complete failure or that a mild symptom indicates a serious illness.
Individuals who catastrophize often engage in "what if" thinking, where they focus on hypothetical negative scenarios.
While some level of concern about potential problems is normal, catastrophizing involves an excessive and often