Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Theories And Techniques Practice Test

Which statement illustrates catastrophizing?

If I fail this exam, my entire career will be ruined. I made a mistake, I can fix it. I did my best. This test is hard, but I can study and improve.

Correct Answer:

If I fail this exam, my entire career will be ruined.

Explanation:

Catastrophizing involves imagining the worst possible outcome as certain or unavoidable and treating it as a total, irreversible disaster from a single event. The statement “If I fail this exam, my entire career will be ruined” does this by linking one setback to a global, permanent consequence, ignoring likelihood, context, and opportunities to recover or improve. The other statements show more adaptive thinking: acknowledging a mistake and considering how to fix it, recognizing effort without assuming catastrophe, and facing a hard test with a plan to study and improve. These reflect flexible problem-solving and resilience rather than exaggerated, doom-filled thinking.

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