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Perceived dimensions of attributions for loneliness
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 1, 1982
Summary
This study explored how people explain loneliness, finding that perceived causes are mainly seen as internal and stable. These dimensions align with Weiner
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attribution Theory
Background:
- Weiner's model of causal attributions proposes three dimensions: Internality, Stability, and Controllability.
- These dimensions influence consequences for individuals experiencing events.
- The applicability of this model to understanding loneliness attributions was previously unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Weiner's attributional model in the context of lay explanations for loneliness.
- To determine the perceived salience of Internality, Stability, and Controllability in loneliness attributions.
Main Methods:
- 180 college students participated in the study.
- Participants made judgments about the causes of loneliness.
- Multidimensional scaling analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) were employed.
Main Results:
- Internality and Stability were confirmed as perceived dimensions of loneliness causes.
- Controllability was not independent, correlating with internal and unstable attributions.
- Findings partially supported Weiner's model in the domain of loneliness.
Conclusions:
- Weiner's model of causal attributions is applicable to understanding loneliness.
- Internality and Stability are key dimensions in lay attributions for loneliness.
- The study extends attribution theory to affiliative behavior and social connection.
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