Selective Abstraction
Selective Abstraction
It's when you focus only on the negative parts of a situation while ignoring the bigger picture. Your mind zooms in on one flaw and uses it to judge the whole experience.
Details
Selective abstraction is a cognitive distortion where you pull out just one detail from an overall situation — usually a negative one — and use it to judge everything.
It's like looking at a large painting and only seeing a tiny smudge. You've had the experience where one piece of critical feedback weighs on you far more than 99 positive ones, right?
Try making an effort to see the full picture. Ask yourself: 'Setting aside the negative part, what were some positive things that happened?' — Mindy
💡 Real-Life Example
"During a presentation that received many positive reactions, only remembering the one piece of negative feedback from a single person."
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.