Definition of Defensive Attribution

Defensive Attribution, also known as self-serving bias or the self-serving attribution bias, is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their successes to internal factors while attributing their failures to external factors. This bias allows individuals to protect their self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image.

Explanation

Defensive attribution arises from the need for individuals to maintain a positive outlook on themselves and to protect their self-esteem. When individuals achieve success or have positive outcomes, they tend to attribute these achievements to their own skills, abilities, or efforts. This internal attribution boosts their self-confidence and sense of competence.

On the other hand, when individuals experience failure or negative outcomes, they tend to attribute these setbacks to external factors such as luck, circumstances, or other people’s actions. This external attribution allows individuals to distance themselves from the failure and protect their self-esteem from being negatively affected.

Examples

Here are a few examples that illustrate defensive attribution:

• An athlete who wins a race may attribute their victory to their years of training and discipline, highlighting their personal attributes as the reasons for their success.
• When a student receives a high grade on an exam, they may attribute it to their intelligence and hard work, reinforcing their belief in their own abilities.
• If an individual fails a job interview, they may attribute it to the tough questions asked by the interviewer or claim it was due to unfair competition, avoiding personal responsibility for their performance.

Impact

The defensive attribution bias can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals and their interactions:

• Positive impact: Defensive attribution can enhance individuals’ self-confidence and motivation by reinforcing their belief in their own abilities and efforts. It can also act as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to bounce back from failures and maintain a positive outlook.
• Negative impact: However, defensive attribution can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance and a failure to recognize genuine areas for improvement. It can also hinder learning from mistakes and undermine personal growth and development.

Overall, defensive attribution helps individuals protect their self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image, but it can also limit self-awareness and hinder personal growth if not balanced with an acknowledgment of external factors and personal responsibility.