Decatastrophizing can help reduce excessive worry by

• A. Assuming the worst will happen and panicking
• B. Reducing excessive worry by evaluating the likelihood of outcomes
• C. Relying solely on luck to solve problems
• D. Accepting all negative outcomes as certain

Answer: (B)

Decatastrophizing targets the tendency to blow things out of proportion by testing how likely the feared outcome actually is and weighing the evidence for and against it. By slowing down automatic worst‑case thinking and asking concrete questions like what is the real probability, what evidence supports or contradicts this, and what steps I would take if it happened, you shift from a rigid, all‑or‑nothing view to a more balanced appraisal. This reduces excessive worry because you replace the belief that disaster is inevitable with a more realistic assessment and a plan for action, which restores a sense of control.

The other patterns keep anxiety high: assuming the worst without evidence, panicking, or leaning on luck ignores probability and controllable factors; accepting negative outcomes as certain promotes hopelessness and further worry. Decatastrophizing breaks those cycles by grounding thoughts in reality and practical coping.