Psychiatry · Psychotherapy Modalities (CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Behavioural Techniques)

In Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 'arbitrary inference' is an example of which category of cognitive error?

  • A Personalisation
  • B Cognitive distortion (Beck's negative cognitive triad domain)
  • C A specific cognitive distortion where conclusions are drawn without sufficient evidence ✓
  • D Minimisation of positive events
Correct answer: C. A specific cognitive distortion where conclusions are drawn without sufficient evidence

Explanation

Aaron Beck described several cognitive distortions. Arbitrary inference is the drawing of a specific conclusion in the absence of, or contrary to, supporting evidence. Other Beck cognitive distortions include selective abstraction (focusing on a detail out of context), overgeneralisation, magnification/minimisation, personalisation, and absolutistic thinking. Arbitrary inference is conceptually distinct from personalisation (blaming oneself for events) or minimisation. These form the cognitive model of depression through the negative cognitive triad (self, world, future).

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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