Question

"Natalie, a psychotherapy client, is depressed about a recent breakup with her boyfriend. She believes that the breakup is entirely her fault, and that if she had done things differently, she would not be alone now. This belief best exemplifies the cognitive thought distortion known as _____."

Answer 1

This cognitive distortion is known as personalization.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cognitive distortions are the result of an irrational thought that comes after a negative feeling. As the name states, they distort or twist reality for an individual, making him/her see reality in a certain way unable to understand that it is not exactly reality.

Personalization occurs when an individual relates external issues with him/herself without general proof or a base.

In this case, Natalie is blaming herself entirely for the breakup, relating external causes to herself without proof, thinking if she had done something different she wouldn't be alone.