What does the false uniqueness effect cause individuals to believe?

The false uniqueness effect leads individuals to believe that they possess unique skills and favorable traits compared to others. This cognitive bias occurs when people underestimate the commonality of their positive attributes, achievements, or qualities. For example, someone might believe that their intelligence, creativity, or work ethic is exceptional and not shared by others, when in fact many individuals may share similar positive characteristics. This belief can enhance self-esteem and contribute to a sense of individuality, but it may also prevent individuals from acknowledging how common certain positive traits can be among their peers.

In contrast, the other options reflect different psychological constructs. The notion of feeling inferior in abilities (the first choice) is more aligned with low self-esteem or self-doubt, which contrasts with the belief in one's uniqueness. The idea that other people often agree with them (the third choice) relates more to social validation and consensus, rather than the belief in personal uniqueness. Lastly, the viewpoint of being controlled by external circumstances (the fourth choice) ties into a locus of control perspective, focusing on how much individuals feel they influence their lives, rather than how unique their traits are.