Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which cognitive distortion involves making negative interpretations without evidence?

1. Emotional reasoning

2. Personalization

3. Catastrophizing

4. All-or-none thinking

The correct answer is: Emotional reasoning

Emotional reasoning is a cognitive distortion in which individuals interpret their emotional responses as evidence for the truth of a situation, regardless of actual evidence. For example, if someone feels anxious, they might conclude that a situation is dangerous or that something bad will happen, even without any objective evidence to support that belief. This distortion can lead people to form negative interpretations based solely on their feelings rather than facts or logical reasoning, creating a cycle of negative thinking that can impact their mental health and decision-making. In contrast, the other mentioned cognitive distortions focus on different patterns of thought. Personalization involves attributing external events to oneself, believing that one is responsible for them, even when they are not. Catastrophizing entails expecting the worst possible outcome or viewing a situation as far worse than it is. All-or-none thinking refers to viewing situations in black-and-white terms, with no middle ground or nuance. Each of these distortions has distinct characteristics, but emotional reasoning specifically highlights the reliance on feelings as a basis for negative interpretation.