Attribution Theory and Achievement

Attribution Theory explains how people interpret the reasons behind their successes and failures. When someone achieves something, they might believe it’s because of their own effort or talent (internal factors), or because of luck or external circumstances (external factors). Similarly, when they struggle, they may attribute it to lack of effort, skill, or external obstacles. These beliefs influence motivation, self-esteem, and future behaviors. Understanding attribution helps us recognize why individuals respond differently to outcomes and can guide strategies to improve performance and resilience.