black-and-white thinking
[/blæk ənd waɪt ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/]
noun
pensamento dicotômico
1. A cognitive pattern in which situations, people, or concepts are perceived in absolute, opposing categories with no middle ground or nuance
His black-and-white thinking made it impossible to see any compromise in the debate.
Seu pensamento dicotômico tornou impossível ver qualquer compromisso no debate.
2. A tendency to categorize things as entirely good or entirely bad, with no room for ambiguity or complexity
Black-and-white thinking prevented her from recognizing the complexity of the situation.
O pensamento dicotômico impediu que ela reconhecesse a complexidade da situação.
3. In psychology, a cognitive distortion often associated with anxiety disorders, depression, and personality disorders
Therapists often help patients overcome black-and-white thinking patterns.
Terapeutas frequentemente ajudam pacientes a superar padrões de pensamento dicotômico.
This term is widely used in psychological, therapeutic, and academic settings in both Brazil and the USA. It's particularly prevalent in discussions about mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotional intelligence. In Brazilian culture, where contextualization and relationship nuances are valued, rigid black-and-white thinking is often criticized as limiting personal growth and interpersonal harmony. The concept has gained prominence in contemporary discussions about polarization in politics and social media discourse.
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