Which statement best describes catastrophizing?

• A. Planning detailed action steps
• B. Evaluating evidence objectively
• C. Staying calm in the face of risk
• D. Wasting critical energy ruminating about irrational worst-case outcomes

Answer: (D)

Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion where you fixate on the worst possible outcome and spend energy ruminating about it as if it’s certain, often exaggerating danger and ignoring more likely or controllable possibilities. That’s why the statement about wasting critical energy ruminating about irrational worst-case outcomes fits best—it captures the idea of spiraling into extreme fears and dwelling on disaster. In contrast, planning detailed action steps is constructive problem-solving, evaluating evidence objectively is rational analysis, and staying calm in the face of risk is adaptive coping. Catastrophizing drains energy by focusing on extreme worst-case scenarios rather than realistic risk and helpful responses.