túláltalánosítás

Túláltalánosítás, also known as overgeneralization, is a cognitive distortion or thinking error. It occurs when a single negative event is interpreted as a never-ending pattern of defeat. This means that because something bad happened once, the person believes it will always happen or that it is characteristic of all similar situations. For example, if someone has a bad date, they might túláltalánosítás and conclude that they will never find a partner or that all potential partners will be unsuitable.

This type of thinking is common in many psychological conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. It fuels feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, as the individual sees no possibility of positive change. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), identifying and challenging túláltalánosítás is a key technique for improving mood and changing negative thought patterns. The process involves examining the evidence for and against the generalization and looking for exceptions to the perceived rule.

While it can be a symptom of psychological distress, mild forms of túláltalánosítás can also be a normal part of human reasoning, especially in children who are learning to categorize and understand the world. However, when it becomes a dominant way of interpreting experiences, it can significantly impair well-being and functioning. Recognizing this cognitive distortion is the first step towards mitigating its negative impact.