Week 6 2/9/2021 Attributional Tendencies
Attributional tendencies are what people think about what caused an event or behavior. It could be or own behavior or an event that happened to us, or we could see it happen to someone else or witness their behavior. We then attribute that behavior or event to something. Attributional tendencies can be broken down into 2 classifications: internal and external. Attributing something internal would be to place "blame" or "fault" on the subject. Attributing something externally would be to find "fault" elsewhere. The word fault may not be the best word because attributional tendencies happen for both positive and negative circumstances.
Americans tend to attribute personal successes internally and personal failure externally. But when we (Americans) see someone else experience something, we view their successes externally and their failures internally. This sounds so accurate, but it also sounds like Americans have mean tendencies. This is something I would like to change about myself. American see their children as an extension of themselves. I am so guilty of this. I want what is best for my kids just like everyone else. When they succeed at something, I feel I played a part in that. For example, last year my son earned his Eagle scout rank. I was so proud if him, but at the same time felt like we did it together! Mainly because I kept reminding him to do things to work toward that goal. In reality he did the work. When my kids make a poor choice, I think it is because I failed to teach them better. In reality, I have taught them that principle, but they are still working on it.
I find it interesting that Japan has the complete opposite attributional tendencies than America. If they do something good, it is because someone else helped them to do something good, but if they did something bad, it's on themselves.
As I was learning about different attributional tendencies a talk came to mind.
Self Worth by Hyrum W. Smith
In this talk he introduces
The Reality Model.
This is an amazing talk, but it only slightly relates to attributional tendencies. The Reality Model, designed by Hyrum Smith, helps change behavior by figuring out what principle or belief is behind the behavior, but learning about attributional tendencies remined me of this model because if we attribute things differently than someone else and it causes a problem (for example, in our classroom), then together we can run the situation through the model and maybe see clearer. This model works great for our own behaviors and experiences as well. For a better understanding of the model I recommend listening to the entire talk, but here is a brief description of the model.
Ideas are on a “belief window,” through which everything is filtered. Those beliefs and principles then automatically generate rules that dictate behavior. For example, if a person believes they have to win games at all costs, they will cheat every time they start losing.
The trick is figuring out if that behavior benefits that person in the long-term. If it does, the person will continue to do so and will find what he calls inner-peace. If it doesn’t work in the long-run, it causes stress and pain. The way to determine whether a principle or belief is working for you, walk through these six steps:
- If the results of my behavior do not meet my needs, there is an incorrect principle on my belief window.
- Results take time to measure.
- Growth is the process of changing principles on your belief window.
- Addiction is the result of deep and unmet needs.
- If your self-worth is dependent on something external, you are in big trouble.
- When the results of your behavior do meet your needs over time, you experience inner-peace.
I think that Hyrum Smith has some words of advice to all of us.
‘If your self-worth is based on anything other than your relationship with Christ, you are in big trouble.
Source:
https://eccles.utah.edu/news/the-reality-model-these-five-steps-will-change-how-you-act-forever/
I love that talk by Hyrum Smith! We listened to it as a family when my son was in the at home MTC at Thanksgiving. Thanks for reminding me of the reality model. It is important to understand that we don't always understand people by watching what they do, because there are underlying beliefs that motivate their actions.
ReplyDeleteI liked John J Ivers conclusion to his lesson on attributional tendencies. He said, "Sometimes life will just mess you up, sometimes other people will mess you up. Sometimes it's not your fault, sometimes it is your fault. But each circumstance is different. Life is not black and white, it's very, very complex."
Thank you for sharing that great talk and for your thoughts on this subject. I am a big believer of tuning in with ourselves and observing our actions and beliefs. How am I acting today? What is causing my distress or loneliness? Why am I so Angry? It's really hard to figure these deep emotions out, I would even say they are very complex. Inner peace can only be achieved through following our values, and living accordingly. Our relationship with God will teach us and help us in understanding our relationship with the world!
ReplyDeleteHi Leisel, I have been edified by your post. I will read the message of that talk whenever I get a chance to. I am amazed at the perspectives shared here. Helping our students to change their mindset is very important especially if the want to be successful. I like the reference tou mad eto the talk which outlines every thing here. Amazing work.
ReplyDelete