Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

The dimension of stability in attribution theory relates to which aspect?

1. The changeability of the outcome

2. The permanence of the cause

3. The control over the outcome

4. The adaptability of behavior

The correct answer is: The permanence of the cause

In attribution theory, the dimension of stability specifically refers to the permanence of the cause behind an event or outcome. When considering this aspect, stable attributions are those that suggest that the cause of a particular event is consistent and unlikely to change over time. For example, if someone attributes their success in a task to a stable factor such as their intelligence or inherent ability, they believe that this factor will consistently influence their performance in similar situations in the future. Conversely, unstable attributions would imply that the cause is variable or can change, such as attributing success to luck or a temporary effort. Understanding the stability of attributions helps individuals and counselors comprehend how people perceive outcomes and how these perceptions can affect motivation and future behavior. Stable attributions can lead to a sense of predictability and control over future outcomes, whereas unstable attributions might lead to feelings of uncertainty.