generalization

1. The process of forming an idea, judgment, or abstraction about a class of people, things, or events based on limited or particular experiences. 2. In psychotherapy, an act or pattern of behavior in which an individual avoids discussing personal problems by characterizing them as being universal. For example, a client may say, “Every couple fights,” to conceal current marital conflicts. 3. Generalizations are also used in social work practice to connect or clarify a client's experiences with others. For example, the social worker might say, “Everyone feels depressed at times.”