The tendency to generalize from a single failure to one's entire self-worth is an important correlate and predictor of depression.

Despite the conceptual overlap between cognitive biases in anxiety and depression, little research has examined whether negative generalization relates to anxiety symptoms.

However, data suggest that negative generalization, or interpreting a single failure as reflecting upon one’s entire self-worth, is a facet of the cognitive profile associated with anxiety disorders.

If prospective studies identify negative generalization as a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders, screening for this cognitive bias may help identify people who could benefit from prevention efforts.

In addition, given that negative generalization may be a maintenance factor uniquely related to social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder, techniques used in cognitive therapy for depression (e.g., thought challenging) may benefit people with these disorders.