All-or-Nothing Thinking

All-or-Nothing Thinking is a cognitive distortion where a person views situations in black-and-white terms, without recognizing the nuances or middle ground. They see events as either perfect or a complete failure, with no in-between options. For example, if they make a mistake, they might think they are a total failure, ignoring any efforts or partial successes. This thinking pattern can lead to increased stress and disappointment because it oversimplifies reality, limiting the understanding of complex situations and hindering balanced or realistic responses. Recognizing and challenging this pattern can promote healthier, more accurate thinking.