the cognitive distortion known as "discounting the positive."
In this scenario, Donna is discounting the positive feedback she received from her instructor (an A grade and several positive comments) and instead focusing solely on the one suggestion for improvement. She is interpreting the suggestion as evidence that her instructor hated the paper and wants her to redo it, rather than seeing it as constructive feedback to help her improve her writing. This kind of thinking can lead to feelings of self-doubt and demotivation, as well as a skewed perception of reality.
Discounting the positive is a common cognitive distortion that involves ignoring or minimizing positive experiences, qualities, or feedback, while giving more weight to negative experiences, qualities, or feedback. It can be a symptom of low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression, and can contribute to a negative outlook on life. Recognizing and challenging this type of thinking can be an important step in improving one's mental health and well-being.