Arbitrary inferences and selective abstractions are examples of what type of psychological phenomena?

Arbitrary inferences and selective abstractions are indeed categorized as cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions refer to faulty or biased ways of thinking that can contribute to negative emotional states and behaviors.

Arbitrary inferences involve drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence or rationale, often resulting in beliefs based on minimal or disproportional information. For instance, someone may believe they are disliked by others after a single negative interaction, ignoring positive experiences. Selective abstraction, on the other hand, occurs when an individual focuses on a single detail of a situation while disregarding more salient features. This focus can lead to skewed perceptions and negative conclusions, such as equating a single failure with an overall sense of worthlessness.

Both phenomena illustrate how cognitive processes can lead to distorted thinking, impacting emotional well-being and behavior. Understanding these cognitive distortions is essential for therapists and practitioners in helping clients recognize and reframe maladaptive thoughts, facilitating healthier cognitive patterns and emotional responses.

In contrast, behavioral patterns pertain to observable actions and habits rather than thought processes. Psychotropic effects relate more to the impact of substances on mood and behavior rather than cognitive evaluations. Defensive mechanisms are psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image, distinct from the thought distortions involved in cognitive