If a person reacts with an immediate critical thought after an unexpected event, what is this an example of?

When a person experiences an unexpected event and then reacts with an immediate critical thought, it exemplifies an automatic thought. Automatic thoughts are spontaneous, immediate reactions or beliefs that occur without conscious deliberation. They often arise from personal beliefs, assumptions, or prior experiences and can significantly influence feelings and behaviors.

In contrast, reflective thoughts require a more deliberate and considered approach, typically involving some level of analysis and contemplation before forming a conclusion. A conscious decision involves a cognitive process where an individual actively weighs options and determines a course of action. An internal monologue refers to the continuous stream of thoughts and self-talk within a person's mind, which may not always lead to immediate judgements or critical responses. Thus, the characterization of the response as an automatic thought accurately reflects the nature of such immediate reactions in response to surprising situations.