Developed from attribution theory, explanatory style refers to how you explain the causes of events, particularly negative ones. Key dimensions include: Permanence (stable vs. temporary), Pervasiveness (global vs. specific), and Personalization (internal vs. external). An optimistic style tends to see bad events as temporary, specific, and external, while a pessimistic style sees them as stable, global, and internal.

Anyone interested in understanding their cognitive biases, improving their emotional well-being, or building resilience. It's particularly relevant for individuals prone to negative thinking, those seeking to enhance optimism, or anyone curious about how their interpretations shape their reality and outlook on life.

PsycheMap's assessment helps you identify your predominant explanatory style. We provide insights into how this style might be affecting your life and offer cognitive strategies to challenge pessimistic explanations and foster a more optimistic and adaptive way of interpreting events, leading to improved mental health.

Explanatory style is a key concept in cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and clinical psychology, particularly related to learned helplessness and depression (Seligman). It's also relevant in coaching and personal development for fostering resilience and a proactive mindset.

Illustrative Citations:

• Seligman, M. E. P. (1998). Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. Pocket Books.
• Peterson, C., Semmel, A., von Baeyer, C., Abramson, L. Y., Metalsky, G. I., & Seligman, M. E. (1982). The Attributional Style Questionnaire. Cognitive therapy and research, 6(3), 287-300.
• Buchanan, G. M., & Seligman, M. E. P. (Eds.). (1995). Explanatory style. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

Relevant Journals:

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Cognitive Therapy and Research, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Positive Psychology.