Explanatory style is a psychological attribute that indicates how people explain to themselves why they experience a particular event - either positive or negative.
Researchers have identified three components that make up an explanatory style:
When a person encounters a negative event do they
(1) explain where the cause of the event arises - internally or externally? That is have they internalised the cause of the event or see the cause as being outside of themselves
(2)see the extent of the event as stable or unstable? That is, is the situation seen as unchangeable or something that will change in the near future?
(3) see the extent of the event affecting their lives globally or locally/specifically. That is "I can't do anything right" as opposed to "my co-worker doesn't like what I do but I have many other friends and co-workers who appreciate me".
A pessimistic explanatory style is said to be adopted by people who generally tend to blame themselves for negative events, believe that such events will continue indefinitely and let such events affect many aspects of their lives.
On the flip side, people who generally tend to blame others for negative events, believe that such events will end soon, and do not let such events affect too many aspects of their lives display what is called an optimistic explanatory style.
A person does not necessarily show a uniform explanatory style in all aspects of their life, but may be more pessimistic or optimistic responding to different types of events.
Importantly, there is evidence that an optimistic explanatory style can be taught and adopted when it is low or absent. Watch this space for more research and interventions in this area.
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