What does dichotomous thinking refer to in cognitive distortions?

Dichotomous thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, is a cognitive distortion where individuals perceive situations, people, or outcomes in extreme categories—believing they are either completely good or entirely bad, with little room for middle ground or nuance. This way of thinking can lead to overly simplistic evaluations and may exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, because it fails to recognize the complexity of thoughts and situations.

The other options reflect different cognitive processes or distortions but do not accurately capture the essence of dichotomous thinking. Focusing on contradictions does not denote the polarizing view inherent in dichotomous thinking. Neglecting positive aspects could relate to broader cognitive distortions, but it does not specify the all-or-nothing mindset essential to this concept. Minimizing negative thoughts may pertain to a coping strategy but again lacks the specific binary classification that defines dichotomous thinking. By recognizing that dichotomous thinking leads to an oversimplified perception of reality, one can better understand its impact on mental health and the importance of fostering a more balanced viewpoint.