Which cognitive distortion involves classifying events in absolute terms?

The cognitive distortion that involves classifying events in absolute terms is all or nothing thinking. This type of thinking reflects a rigid mindset where individuals view situations in black-and-white terms, leading to extreme interpretations. For instance, someone engaging in all or nothing thinking may perceive a situation as either a complete success or an utter failure, without recognizing any nuances or compromises in between. This can impede decision-making and contribute to feelings of inadequacy or frustration.

The other cognitive distortions play different roles in thinking patterns. Personalization involves taking excessive responsibility for events outside one's control, often attributing personal blame for others' actions. Catastrophizing is the tendency to expect the worst possible outcome or visualize negative scenarios. Overgeneralization refers to drawing broad, sweeping conclusions based on a single instance or limited evidence. While each of these distortions impacts thinking, all or nothing thinking is distinct in its clear-cut, dichotomous approach to evaluating situations.