Structural modelling of the relationships between attributional dimensions, emotions, and performance of college freshmen

Abstract

In this paper we report a study examining Weiner's (1986) predictions concerning the relationships between attributional dimensions, emotions, and behaviour, using a causal modelling procedure (LISREL). In two studies, freshmen (N = 585 and 621) who had taken their midterm exams, reported the cause of their outcome, its dimensional properties, and their emotional reactions. These data were then related to subsequent performance at the final exams. In support of Weiner's predictions, results indicated distinct relationships between midterm outcome and the primary emotions of happiness and sadness; between internal attributions and the self-esteem emotions of pride and shame; between stable attributions and expectations and the anticipatory emotions of hope, despair, and anxiety; between attributions of personal control and the moral emotions of guilt; and between external control and the social emotions of gratitude and anger. Contrary to predictions, happiness and sadness were further intensified by internal attributions. No other significant linkages between attributions and emotions were found. As predicted, performance at the final exams was influenced by freshmen's expectations, but contrary to the predictions, performance remained generally unrelated to freshmen's emotions.