According to attribution theory, which aspect refers to whether a situation is seen as temporary or permanent?

The aspect that refers to whether a situation is perceived as temporary or permanent is known as stability in attribution theory. Stability pertains to the extent to which a person believes that the cause of an event or behavior will persist over time. If an individual views a situation as stable, they believe it is caused by factors that are unlikely to change, such as a personality trait or a long-term condition. Conversely, if they see it as unstable, they may attribute it to circumstances that are likely to change, such as a temporary mood or an external factor.

In the context of attribution theory, understanding stability is crucial for predicting future behaviors and outcomes based on how persistent or enduring individuals deem the cause of an event. This perspective influences how people respond to success or failure and can have implications for motivation and self-efficacy. The other choices represent different dimensions: focus relates to where the cause is attributed (internal vs. external), controllability addresses whether individuals feel they have control over the situation, and responsibility relates to the degree to which someone is perceived as accountable for the outcome.