What is the tendency to relate external events to oneself without basis known as?

The tendency to relate external events to oneself without basis is known as personalization. This cognitive distortion occurs when individuals attribute external events or situations to their own actions or characteristics, believing that they are the cause of these events or that they are the focal point of negative occurrences. For example, someone might assume that if a coworker is in a bad mood, it must be their fault, even if there is no evidence to support this belief.

Personalization can significantly impact a person's self-esteem and emotional well-being, as it leads to unnecessary feelings of guilt or responsibility for things that are beyond their control. Understanding this concept is essential in recognizing how irrational thinking can affect mental health and relationships. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between self-related thoughts and objective reality, allowing individuals to develop healthier thought patterns.