Which of the following is NOT considered a cognitive distortion?

Intentional thinking refers to the process of deliberately directing your thought patterns and considering various perspectives or information before arriving at a conclusion. It is a healthy cognitive strategy that supports critical thinking and decision-making rather than a distortion in thought processes. Cognitive distortions, on the other hand, represent irrational or exaggerated thinking patterns that negatively affect an individual's perception of reality and can contribute to emotional distress.

Over-generalization, minimization, and personalizing events are recognized cognitive distortions. Over-generalization involves drawing broad conclusions based on a single incident, minimizing involves downplaying the significance of events or accomplishments, and personalizing events refers to taking responsibility for events that are not within one’s control. These patterns can lead to negative emotions and ineffective coping strategies, making it essential to distinguish them from healthier cognitive approaches like intentional thinking.