12. David began his first job as a counselor with the conviction that he will not be liked or valued by either his colleagues or clients. He is convinced he fooled his professors and somehow 'just' managed to get his degree. What type of cognitive distortion does this example portray?
Answer: C
David's beliefs exemplify arbitrary inference.
David's conviction that he will not be liked or valued by his colleagues or clients reflects the cognitive distortion known as arbitrary inference. This occurs when an individual makes conclusions based on insufficient or irrelevant evidence, leading to a negative self-assessment without solid justification.
A) Mislabeling
Mislabeling involves assigning a negative label to oneself or others based on a single event or characteristic. While David does exhibit negative self-perception, his belief is rooted in a broader context of arbitrary inference rather than simply mislabeling himself.
B) Overgeneralization
Overgeneralization is when an individual draws broad conclusions from a single incident. Although David feels that he will not be valued, his specific belief stems from an unfounded interpretation of his experiences rather than a generalized conclusion from one event, making this option incorrect.
C) Arbitrary inference
Arbitrary inference is accurately represented in David's scenario, as he concludes that he is not liked or valued without any concrete evidence to support this belief. This distortion highlights how his negative self-view is formed from unfounded assumptions, fitting the description perfectly.
D) Selective abstraction
Selective abstraction involves focusing on one detail while ignoring the broader context, leading to a skewed perception. While David’s beliefs could involve elements of selective abstraction, the core issue lies in his unwarranted conclusions, which aligns more closely with arbitrary inference.
Conclusion
In this case, arbitrary inference is the most fitting cognitive distortion, as David's negative beliefs are formed from insufficient evidence. Other options, while related to cognitive distortions, do not adequately explain the basis of David's convictions. His thoughts illustrate how cognitive distortions can lead to a distorted self-image and affect interpersonal relationships.