A graduate student takes his first test in a class and fails. The student looks at the failing grade, crumples up the exam, and states, "I'll never understand this stuff." This statement is an example of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is an example of an automatic thought, which is a spontaneous, surface level thought that arises in response to a situation, often without the individual being fully aware of it. In this case, the student's immediate, reflexive thought upon seeing the failing grade reflects a negative, self-critical perspective, characteristic of automatic thoughts.

A Graduate Student Takes His First Test in a Class