From an Attributional Theory of Emotion to Developmental Psychology: A Round-Trip Ticket?

Abstract

Attribution theory has proved to be a useful conceptual framework for the study of emotional development. In this paper, we review a program of research on children's developing understanding of emotion from an attributional perspective. A number of prevalent human emotions are examined in this conception, including happiness, sadness, anger, pity, guilt, pride, and gratitude. The implications of a developmental perspective for an "adult" theory of emotion are discussed.