Katarina has high exam anxiety and thinks that she is going to bomb her political science midterm.As a result of her belief,she tries even harder to study for her midterm,spends longer preparing for it,and quizzes herself on the material many times prior to the exam.Katarina's behaviour suggests that she is engaging in
A)positive illusions.
B)affective forecasting.
C)defensive pessimism.
D)the durability bias.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Katarina's behaviour is consistent with defensive pessimism, which involves setting low expectations for oneself in order to reduce anxiety, but also taking steps to prepare extensively for the worst-case scenario. This strategy allows individuals to cope with anxiety and perform better than they might have otherwise.

Katarina Has High Exam Anxiety and Thinks That She Is