Black-and-white thinking, also known as all-or-nothing thinking, is a cognitive distortion where individuals view situations in extreme terms. This means they see things as either completely good or completely bad, with no middle ground. For example, a person might believe they are a total failure if they do not achieve perfection in a task. This type of thinking can lead to unrealistic expectations and increased stress. It often affects decision-making and relationships, as individuals may struggle to accept nuances or compromises. Recognizing and addressing black-and-white thinking can help improve emotional well-being and foster healthier perspectives.