What does situational attribution refer to?

Situational attribution refers specifically to the process of assigning the cause of an individual's behavior to external, environmental factors rather than to their personal characteristics or internal traits. When someone observes a person's actions and concludes that those actions were influenced by specific situational variables, such as stress at work, pressure from peers, or certain contextual circumstances, that is an example of situational attribution.

This concept is fundamental in the field of social psychology, as it helps to explain how people interpret and rationalize behaviors in relation to the context in which they occur. Understanding that behavior can be shaped significantly by situational factors can promote a more empathetic view of others, as it encourages consideration of the external pressures or circumstances that may influence behavior.