What is the term for the tendency to interpret others' behaviors as threatening or aggressive, regardless of their true intent?

The correct answer, which is the term "hostile attribution bias," refers to a cognitive bias where individuals interpret the actions of others as hostile or aggressive, even if those actions are ambiguous or benign. This bias can significantly influence social interactions, as individuals with this tendency may overreact or respond defensively to perceived threats that may not actually exist. This is often rooted in past experiences or a general predisposition to view the world through a negative lens, affecting relationships and social dynamics.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately capture this specific tendency. Hostile perception bias, for instance, involves a broader interpretation of social situations as aggressive without focusing specifically on the intent behind individuals' behaviors. Social influence pertains to how individuals change their behavior in response to social pressure and does not specifically address the interpretation of others' behaviors. The cost-benefit analysis model is a decision-making framework that evaluates the potential benefits and drawbacks of different actions, which is unrelated to interpreting others' behavior as threatening. Thus, "hostile attribution bias" is the precise term that describes this cognitive distortion.