Which of the following is an example of "all-or-nothing thinking"?

All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, involves viewing situations in extreme, categorical terms without recognizing the nuances in between. When someone engages in this type of thinking, they are likely to see only the extremes—either you succeed entirely, or you fail completely, with no room for partial success or varying degrees of accomplishment.

Choosing to believe that if you don’t succeed at one task, you have failed entirely exemplifies this cognitive distortion. It reflects a mindset where any mistake or lack of success in one area translates to a total sense of failure, disregarding any progress or other successes. This type of thinking can lead to increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, making it important to challenge and reframe such thoughts into a more balanced perspective.

The other choices illustrate more nuanced or balanced approaches to thinking, such as recognizing a range of outcomes, evaluating alternatives, or considering both positive and negative aspects of situations, which all signify a healthier cognitive process.