An Attributional Analysis of Reactions to Negative Emotions

Three studies examined observers' attributions and reactions to negative emotional displays, as well as expressers' expectations about others' reactions. Study I found that one's own negative emotions were attributed to situations more than to dispositions, but others' emotions were attributed equally to situations and dispositions. Study 2 revealed that the observers' affective reactions, assignment of responsibility, and intent to support and reject the other, as well as expressers' expectations of these variables, were more negative when emotions were attributed to the expressers' dispositions than when attributed to the situation. Study 3 investigated the discrepancy between expressers' expectations and observers' reactions, and found that observers directed more intense reactions, both positive and negative, than expressers expected. Discussion considers methodological issues and the implications for social support and distressful interpersonal processes.

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