Probability Bias—but Not Cost Bias—Predicts Benign Interpretations of Ambiguous Social Events Among People with Social Anxiety Disorder

This study examined associations among three cognitive biases—cost and probability perceptions and interpretations of ambiguous social events—in adults with social anxiety disorder. Probability bias, or overestimating the likelihood that negative social events will occur, but not cost bias, or overestimating negative consequences, predicted more benign interpretations.