Labeling and Mislabeling describes which issue?

• A. The distorted view of basing one's identity on imperfections and mistakes made in the past.
• B. A method to measure self-concept
• C. A technique for dream interpretation
• D. A process for mood tracking

Answer: (A)

Labeling and mislabeling focus on a cognitive distortion in which a person defines themselves by flaws or past mistakes, turning an imperfect action into an enduring identity. When someone believes that a single error or imperfection defines who they are, they develop a distorted self-view—seeing themselves as inherently defective or worthless based on past events. That’s why this option is the best fit: it captures the idea of basing one’s identity on imperfections and what happened in the past, rather than viewing self-worth as separate from actions or overgeneralizing to a fixed character.

This isn’t about measuring self-concept, dream interpretation, or mood tracking. In counseling, you’d address it by helping the person separate the behavior from the identity, examine evidence for and against the global label, and replace absolutist language with more balanced self-labels like, “I made a mistake, but I am still capable and have strengths.”