A young woman said to her friend, "My problem is I don't have good self-esteem. If my therapist could help me have good self-esteem, then I would be able to get what I need from other people. I am afraid that my low self-esteem is just part of my personality, and I will not get better." Which of the following BEST describes the thinking error the young woman is making?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The young woman is making the error of reification, which involves treating an abstract concept (like self-esteem) as if it were a concrete, immutable object or part of her personality that cannot change. This is a cognitive distortion because it overlooks the dynamic and changeable nature of psychological traits.

A Young Woman Said to Her Friend, "My Problem Is