Cognitive Bias, Including Memory Bias And Catastrophic Thinking: Psychological Factors Contributing To Phobia

Question 1

What is memory bias?

Answer 1

Tendency to recall or recognise negative or threatening information better than positive or neutral information

Question 2

Give an example of memory bias

Answer 2

Someone with dental phobia only recalls the one painful checkup she had and forgets all the other non-frightening check ups

Question 3

What is catastrophic thinking

Answer 3

Tendency to perceive objects or events as being far more threatening than they really are and encountering it will result in the worst possible outcome

Question 4

Give an example of catastrophic thinking

Answer 4

Person with a phobia of bees might think an encounter will kill them

Question 5

What does catastrophic thinking lead to?

Answer 5

People thinking they are unable to cope with their symptoms