Situations, attributions, and the evaluation of reactions.

The present studies deal with the integration of theoretical models and empirical work on the antecedents of causal attributions with conceptions about attributional consequences. A central, although thus far neglected, postulate of attribution is addressed: the assumption that realistic attributions lead (or, more specifically, are perceived as leading) to functional behaviors and emotions. First, definitions of veridicality and functionality are discussed within an attributional framework. Second, three simulation studies that investigate whether realistic attributions are perceived as leading to functional reactions were conducted. Results indicated that stimulus persons who are described as exhibiting behaviors that are guided by unrealistic attributions are judged to be less likely to attain long-range success in both achievement and social situations and are thought of as being less contented and less likeable than persons who show reactions that are tied to realistic attributions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)