Overgeneralising

Welcome to another instalment of Psychology Skill of the Week with school psychologist Dr Carla Humphrys.
Overgeneralising occurs when people take one negative experience in the past and apply it to all current and future situations. A key way to recognise when you are overgeneralising is to notice yourself using the words "always", "never" and "everyone".
Examples of overgeneralising include:
"Nobody will ever want to date me. I am always being rejected"
"Nobody ever asks me to do anything"
"I'm always falling over and causing accidents"
"I will never get this assignment done"
When you catch yourself overgeneralising it is helpful to ask the following questions:
"What are the facts?"
"What is the evidence that this always happens? Are there any times I can name when this did not happen?"
Does this truly happen in all situations".
While these videos are related to psychological themes, the content does not constitute therapy and it is not a substitute for professional mental health help or medical care. Please seek assistance from a qualified mental health or medical professional to obtain advice or psychological treatment that is tailored to your specific needs.