The text discusses several instances where relying on automatic thinking can lead to negative consequences. Identify and discuss one instance where using controlled thinking could be problematic

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Students may discuss one of several processes.

One example of controlled thinking that was problematic was the use of facilitated communication. The facilitators were not aware of how much control they had when guiding the communication-impaired individuals. This technique was only debunked after researchers gave different instructions to the impaired person and the facilitator and found that the instructions were followed by the facilitator only.

An aspect of controlled processes that is problematic is the amount of time it takes to process information consciously and effortfully. Sometimes, there could be a life-or-death decision that needs to be made quickly, for instance in an emergency room, and there is no time for controlled thinking.

Using counterfactual thinking to mentally redo the past can be beneficial if we learn from our mistakes. But it can have detrimental consequences if it leads to rumination, a precursor to depression.