Referential thinking is characterized by a belief that:

Referential thinking involves the idea that an individual interprets events and incidents as having unique and personal significance. This cognitive style typically leads individuals to believe that various occurrences in their environment have a direct connection to themselves, often infusing ordinary events with personal relevance or meaning.

For instance, someone demonstrating referential thinking might view a news story or a situation that occurs outside of their immediate context as specifically tailored to them or as a message directed at them. This type of thinking is common in certain psychological conditions and can lead individuals to experience paranoia or heightened self-focus.

The other responses do not accurately capture the essence of referential thinking. The notion that all thoughts are random and unconnected contradicts the very principle of referential thinking, which is grounded in a perceived connection between events and the self. Similarly, a belief that causal relationships are clearly understood aligns more with rational thought processes rather than the subjective interpretation inherent in referential thinking. Lastly, the idea that people can read minds and intentions moves towards a more fantastical perception of social interactions, which differs significantly from the more nuanced interpretation of everyday events found in referential thinking.