What is often a premise for dichotomous or binary thinking?

The premise for dichotomous or binary thinking often hinges on the desire for achieving perfection. Dichotomous thinking is characterized by seeing situations, choices, or outcomes in black-and-white terms, with no room for gray areas or shades of complexity. This type of thinking can emerge when individuals strive for perfection, leading them to categorize experiences or behaviors strictly as either "good" or "bad," "right" or "wrong." This mindset overlooks the continuum that exists in many aspects of life and can create unrealistic expectations for oneself and others.

In contexts such as diet culture or intuitive eating, this perfection-seeking attitude can contribute to harmful beliefs about food and body image, as individuals may feel compelled to adhere to strict rules or idealized standards. On the contrary, the other options, while potentially influential in different contexts, do not inherently create this dualistic way of thinking. Instead, they might lead to various responses or behaviors without strictly reverting to a binary mindset.