HHS330 Ch. 5 Attribution Theory

Stability

the extent to which a cause fluctuates or remains the same

Controllability

the extent to which the individual can influence it. If you attribute a top mark to your effort at studying, then the source of success is relatively controllable—you can influence effort simply by deciding how much to study.

Which of the following statements reflects an internal locus of causality for behavior related to COVID-19 risk reduction? A) I decided it's best for me to avoid indoor social activities. B) So far, I've been lucky and have not contracted COVID-19. C) If I was meant to get COVID-19, I'll get it regardless of what I do. D) I do whatever the CDC recommends regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

A) I decided it's best for me to avoid indoor social activities

When a poor health outcome is viewed by others as resulting from a controllable cause: A) it can lead to blame and stereotyping. B) people are more empathetic toward the person with the problem. C) changing the associated behavior is less difficult. D) it is easier for them to be supportive of the person dealing with the problem.

A) it can lead to blame and stereotyping

The construct of locus of causality: A) refers to where the cause of a behavior resides. B) affects the extent to which the cause is observable by others. C) governs the ease or difficulty of changing the behavioral cause. D) determines whether a person has volitional or behavioral control over the cause.

A) refers to where the cause of a behavior resides.

Behavioral causes of a health outcome that cannot be changed are considered: A) stable and uncontrollable. B) unstable and controllable. C) stable and controllable. D) unstable and uncontrollable.

A) stable and uncontrollable.

Which of the following constructs of attribution theory explains that the extent to which a person can willfully change the cause of an outcome is what prevents undesirable outcomes from repeatedly happening? A) Stability B) Controllability C) External locus of causality D) Internal locus of causality

B) Controllability

An example of an external, unstable, controllable cause of behavior is: A) marital status. B) health insurance. C) academic attainment. D) fear of the unknown.

B) health insurance

Which of the following is considered an internal, stable, uncontrollable cause of behavior that affects health outcomes? A) Skill B) Desire C) Intellect D) Attitude

C) Intellect

The concept underlying attribution theory is that: A) behavior results from intention. B) personal beliefs drive behavior. C) behavior has a cause or explanation for why it happens. D) the relationship between a person and the environment determines behavior.

C) behavior has a cause or explanation for why it happens

According to attribution theory, personal attributes are the basis of all behavior.

False

Attribution theory is specifically used to explain the causes of unhealthy behaviors.

False

The construct of stability in attribution theory refers to the extent to which the underlying cause of a behavior can be consistently predicted.

False

When a health problem has an external locus of causality that is controllable but unstable, it is unlikely to be changed.

False

Theory Constructs

Locus Stability Controllability

Locus of causality

The location—internal or external—of the cause of behavior.

According to attribution theory, it is important to identify behavioral causes at the individual level because the same behavior may result from different causes for different people.

True

According to attribution theory, it's critical to know the cause of a behavior in order to know if the behavior can be changed.

True

Complying with the American Heart Association's recommendation to replace saturated fat with healthier fats to lower cardiovascular disease risk is an example of a behavior with an external locus of causality.

True

For a behavior with an external locus of causality, the foci of change are interpersonal factors.

True

Locus of causality is important because it influences how other people react to the outcome of an illness or a behavior.

True

When others view the cause of an undesirable outcome as being under a person's volitional control, the person is more likely to be blamed for the outcome.

True

Theory Concept

Why outcomes happen by looking at what causes them