How we think, Part 1: Generalization and OCD

Cognitive biases, including the problematic generalization often seen in OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), can occur in various situations. They can be especially problematic when individuals attempt to predict or interpret events, behaviours, or thoughts, both in themselves and in others. Here are some common situations where generalization becomes a problematic cognitive bias:

1. Personal Relationships: Generalization can be particularly harmful in interpersonal relationships. If a person with OCD has had a negative experience with a single person (e.g., a partner who was unfaithful), they might generalize this experience and believe that all people in similar relationships will behave the same way. This can lead to trust issues, unfounded suspicions, and relational difficulties.
2. Work Environment: At the workplace, an employee with OCD might generalize a single negative feedback or experience (like a failed project) to mean that they are a failure or incapable in all aspects of their work. This can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and potentially affect their job performance and career advancement.
3. Health Concerns: In the context of health, someone with OCD might interpret a single symptom (such as a persistent headache) as a sign of a severe illness like a brain tumor, generalizing from a minor symptom to a major health crisis. This can lead to unnecessary fear, medical investigations, and health anxiety.
4. Social Situations: A person with OCD might have an embarrassing moment at a social gathering and generalize this to mean they are always socially awkward, leading them to avoid social events and develop social anxiety.
5. Safety and Security: An individual might experience a single instance of danger or harm (like a car break-in), and generalize this to mean they are always in danger, leading to excessive safety behaviors and anxiety about personal security.
6. Learning Environments: In educational settings, a student with OCD may generalize from a single failure or difficulty in understanding a concept to thinking they are incapable of learning or excelling in that entire subject area, which can impact their motivation, performance, and career choices.
7. Coping with Change: Generalizing from a single negative experience related to change (like moving to a new place) may lead a person with OCD to avoid change entirely, limiting their adaptability and potentially affecting their life decisions.

These situations represent the common areas where generalization can be a significant issue, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s experiences with OCD and cognitive biases are unique. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be particularly effective in helping individuals identify and challenge these biases.

Applying supportive thinking

Let’s revisit each situation and discuss how to apply helpful thinking to avoid overgeneralization:

1. Personal Relationships: If you’ve had a negative experience, remind yourself that one person’s actions do not represent everyone’s behavior. Each person is unique with their motivations, values, and behaviors. Your experience with one person doesn’t determine how others will act.
2. Work Environment: When receiving negative feedback or facing a setback at work, remind yourself that one failure doesn’t define your entire career. Everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges – it’s an integral part of learning and growing professionally. Instead of focusing on the negative, identify what you can learn from this experience and apply it to future situations.
3. Health Concerns: If you have a symptom that worries you, it’s okay to seek medical advice. However, try not to jump to worst-case scenarios. Remind yourself that symptoms can be related to a range of conditions, many of which are minor or easily treatable. Be patient and await professional medical advice before drawing conclusions.
4. Social Situations: If you have an embarrassing moment in a social setting, remember that everyone has them—it’s part of being human. Rather than interpreting it as proof that you’re socially awkward, consider it as a one-off event. People generally are too busy with their own concerns to dwell on others’ slip-ups.
5. Safety and Security: If you experience a threatening situation like a car break-in, it’s natural to feel shaken. However, one event doesn’t mean you’re always in danger. It’s essential to take necessary precautions, but don’t let a single incident dictate your feeling of safety.
6. Learning Environments: If you encounter difficulty with a particular topic or subject, it doesn’t mean you’re incapable of understanding it or similar subjects. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses in different areas of learning. Try to view the challenge as an opportunity for growth, and seek additional help or resources if necessary.
7. Coping with Change: If you have a negative experience with change, it doesn’t mean all changes will be negative. Change can often bring about new opportunities and experiences that can be positive. Try to see change as a normal part of life, and focus on the potential positives that may come from it.

In each of these situations, the key is to challenge overgeneralized thinking with rational, balanced thoughts and remember that single events do not predict future outcomes. Again, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very helpful in this process.