What cognitive symptom is associated with anxiety?

Thoughts or worries about negative outcomes are a hallmark cognitive symptom associated with anxiety. Individuals experiencing anxiety often find themselves preoccupied with potential dangers or failures, leading to persistent negative thinking. This cognitive pattern can manifest as excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, relationships, or performance, and can significantly impair daily functioning.

The presence of these fearful thoughts reflects the anxious individual's tendency to anticipate threats, even in situations where there may be little to no actual risk. This contributes to the overall feeling of anxiety, as the mind is constantly engaged in predicting and ruminating over possible negative outcomes instead of being focused on the present.

In contrast, the other options present distorted states of thinking that do not align with the characteristics of anxiety. For instance, increased concentration and heightened self-confidence would generally not be seen in an anxious state, as anxiety tends to disrupt focus and lower self-esteem. Feeling relaxed is also not characteristic of anxiety; instead, it is often associated with a state of calm and comfort, which contradicts the experience of anxiety.