What cognitive distortion involves a specific way of thinking that affects problem-solving?

The cognitive distortion that most directly relates to a specific way of thinking that affects problem-solving is mental set. This concept refers to a tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often based on past experiences or solutions that have worked previously. While this can be efficient and provide quick answers, it can also limit flexibility and creativity, preventing individuals from considering alternative approaches that may lead to better solutions.

For instance, if someone has successfully solved a similar problem using a certain method in the past, they may stick to that method even when it is not the best option for the current problem. This rigidity can hinder effective problem-solving because it overshadows other potential strategies that could be more suitable in different contexts.

Other options, while they involve cognitive processes, do not specifically highlight the impact of thinking patterns on problem-solving in the way mental set does. Belief perseverance focuses on maintaining beliefs despite contradictory evidence, framing concerns how information is presented, and fixation refers more broadly to a state of being stuck in one's thoughts, which may not directly influence the method of problem-solving as mental set does.