Dichotomous thinking contributes to interpersonal problems and emotional and behavioral instability.
People with BPD are more likely to display dichotomous thinking than people who do not have BPD.
If you have BPD, you may experience dichotomous thinking without even realizing it.
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A person with dichotomous thinking maymeet a new coworker at work.
However, as time goes on, someone with dichotomous thinking may suddenly swing to the opposite extreme.
In some instances, dichotomous thinking can result in financial problems.
However, there are treatments that can help people better learn to manage dichotomous thinking.
There are also effective treatments available to help people who have BPD.
Treatment for dichotomous thinking often focuses on helping people identify and reframe their thoughts.
It also encourages more realistic self-talk that avoids absolute language like “always” and “never.”
You might want to write things down or discuss them with a trusted friend or therapist.
Lewis JA, Fraga KJ, Erickson TM.Dichotomous thinking.
In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.
Springer International Publishing; 2019:1-5. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_651-1
Rowland TA, Jainer AK, Panchal R.Living with obsessional personality.BJPsych Bull.
