An attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion.

1985/01/01 by Bernard Weiner · 7,726 citations
Psychology · #Attribution #Cognitive psychology #Cultural Differences and Values #Emotional Intelligence and Performance #Emotions and Moral Behavior #Need for achievement #Psychology #Social psychology

paper · doi:10.1037/0033-295x.92.4.548

published in Psychological Review 92(4), 548-573 (American Psychological Association)

openalex publication_date 1985/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06

Abstract

In this chapter a theory of motivation and emotion developed from an attributional perspective is presented. Before undertaking this central task, it might be beneficial to review the progression of the book. In Chapter 1 it was suggested that causal attributions have been prevalent throughout history and in disparate cultures. Studies reviewed in Chapter 2 revealed a large number of causal ascriptions within motivational domains, and different ascriptions in disparate domains. Yet some attributions, particularly ability and effort in the achievement area, dominate causal thinking. To compare and contrast causes such as ability and effort, their common denominators or shared properties were identified. Three causal dimensions, examined in Chapter 3, are locus, stability, and controllability, with intentionality and globality as other possible causal properties. As documented in Chapter 4, the perceived stability of a cause influences the subjective probability of success following a previous success or failure; causes perceived as enduring increase the certainty that the prior outcome will be repeated in the future. And all the causal dimensions, as well as the outcome of an activity and specific causes, influence the emotions experienced after attainment or nonattainment of a goal. The affects linked to causal dimensions include pride (with locus), hopelessness and resignation (with stability), and anger, gratitude, guilt, pity, and shame (with controllability).

Citations

• Learned helplessness in humans: Critique and reformulation.
• Attribution Theory and Research
• Patterns of cognitive appraisal in emotion.
• The Evolution of Reciprocal Altruism

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