C.1.2.4 Attribution theory and the impact of locus of control on confidence (HL) Notes

Attribution Theory and Its Impact on Confidence

1. Attribution theory explains how people interpret the causes of their successes and failures.
2. These interpretations, or attributions, shape their expectations, emotions, and behaviors.

Weiner's Model of Attribution Theory

Three Dimensions of Attribution

1. Locus of Control refers to whether the cause of success or failure is internal (within the athlete) or external (outside their control).

1. If an athlete attributes success to internal factors (e.g., “I trained hard”), they are more likely to feel confident.
2. If failure is attributed to external factors (e.g., “The referee was unfair”), the athlete may feel powerless and less confident.

2. Stability refers to whether the cause is stable (consistent over time) or unstable (temporary and changeable).

1. If an athlete believes failure is due to a stable factor (e.g., “I’m naturally bad at penalties”), they may feel helpless and lose confidence.
2. If they see the cause as unstable (e.g., “I missed because I was tired today”), they are more likely to stay motivated and believe they can improve.

3. Controllability refers to whether the cause is controllable (can be changed) or uncontrollable (cannot be changed).

1. If an athlete sees their performance as controllable (e.g., “I can improve my passing with practice”), they are more likely to take action and remain confident.
2. If they believe performance is out of their control (e.g., “The weather ruined my game”), they may lose motivation.

Impact of Attribution on Confidence

1. Positive attributions boost confidence and motivation.
   1. For example, if an athlete attributes success to internal, unstable, and controllable factors (e.g., “I won because I trained hard and used good tactics”), they feel in control of their performance and believe they can succeed again.
2. Negative attributions lower confidence and motivation.
   1. If an athlete attributes failure to internal, stable, and uncontrollable factors (e.g., “I lost because I’m just not talented at this sport”), they may experience learned helplessness, believing that no effort can change the outcome.

Attribution Retraining: Shaping a Growth Mindset

1. Coaches and sports psychologists can help athletes adjust their attributions to maintain confidence and motivation.
2. Encouraging Effort-Based Attributions – Instead of thinking, “I failed because I’m bad,” athletes should learn to say, “I can improve by practicing more.”
3. Focusing on Controllable Factors – Recognizing that training, mindset, and tactics influence performance can help athletes stay confident.
4. Avoiding Negative Stable Attributions – Instead of saying, “I always choke under pressure,” an athlete can reframe it as, “I need to improve my mental preparation.”