Attribution theory looks at the attribution of blame in the
explanation of a situation or an event. For example in a car crash perhaps one
driver will be blamed rather than another due to the circumstances. Maybe one
driver didn’t give way when he or she should have. Likewise in other life
events and circumstances we also attribute blame depending on how much we see
the situation as being under our control. If we have an issue or problem then
we might blame other people for this, when really we need to accept
responsibility for our part in the problem.
If you are thinking of changing yourself or your life then
one important step is to take responsibility for your part in the situation or
problem. Until you say, “That is mine”, how can you fix it? Taking responsibility
is something we all need to do as responsible adults. For any situation it is
important to only shoulder responsibility for your part in the situation. Some
people might blame others or things completely or to take on all the
responsibility. Both of these positions are most likely unrealistic and
unhealthy. I am not talking about victims of crime here, but everyday life
situations that we have some control over. So accepting responsibility for your
part in a situation is a vital step in being able to do something about it. Now
you can change.
For example if people have been telling you that you have a
problem with alcohol or drugs you will not do anything about it until you
accept your part in the problem. You need to accept that it is a problem, and
once you can see it is a problem, you need to accept that it is under your
control and then you can change it.
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