Browsing by Subject "Weiner's attribution theory"

This study explores health attributions and how they relate to demographic variables, health behaviour and perceived health. Previous research has shown that possessing internal and control attributions of health predicts positive health outcomes. This master thesis uses Bernand Weines Attribution theory as a theoretical framework. The theory’s causal dimensions which are locus (internal or external), stability (stable or unstable) and controllability (controllable or uncontrollable) are used in analysing the discussion section. The research investigated attributing health problems to either own lifestyle, environment, genes, and poverty through crosstabulations, chi-square test and logistic regression. This study used the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) quantitative data where the total sample size was 1003 respondents among the Finnish population. The results showed that gender predicted the attribution of health problems whereas males were more likely to attribute health issues to personal lifestyle. Age influenced attributions related to poverty, with older individuals more likely to attribute health problems to poverty. Exercise and smoking were predictors of attributing health problems to personal lifestyle. Individuals who engaged in exercise were more likely to attribute health issues to lifestyle, whereas smokers had a lower likelihood of reporting health problems due to personal lifestyle choices. Smokers were more likely to attribute health issues to poverty. Physical health and psychological distress influenced similar attribution styles. Those with poor health, a disability, or a chronic disease and experiencing distress were more likely to attribute health problems to environmental factors or poverty. Additionally, having a disability decreased the likelihood of attributing health issues to personal lifestyle. These findings suggest how understanding health and health problems is complex as different attribution styles can be influenced by demographic factors, health behaviours, and how a person perceives their health. This highlights the need for targeted public health interventions that address specific attribution tendencies within different demographic groups.