Attribution Theory Essay

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Attribution Theory Reaction Paper In my reaction paper I decided to show the comparisons between Charlie Sheen's recent behavior and actions in the media with the different elements of the Attribution Theory. I believe Charlie Sheen's recent behaviors are prime examples of three elements of the Attribution Theory. One element is the Locus, which is the location of the cause. Stability is whether the cause is likely stay the same or change in the near future. Controllability is whether the person can control the cause. Attribution Theory is relevant to Charlie Sheen's perceptions, event perceptions and his change of attitude. Charlie Sheen is the main character on the highly successful show Two and a half Men which production was suspended due to Sheen's recent drug use and actions in the media. Where the Locus element comes into effect is Sheen believes that the causality for this is outside factors, (External). In a radio interview with Alex Jones, Sheen puts the blame on producer Chuck Lorre claiming that he is, "at battle with Lorre's ego" and Lorre is, "a powerful force and gets what he wants" and that is the reason for the shutdown of production. Sheen goes on to make anti-semitic remarks about Lorre and never assumes any responsibility for the halt in production. Sheen seems to believe he is aware of the Stability of the situation and knows the outcome. On the Today Show Sheen stated that Lorre was a, "contaminated little maggot" who he wished "nothing but pain". He's convinced as long as Lorre is in control that it is him and him alone that is responsible. Sheen attributes the show's failure to the factor of Lorre being in charge and his expectations about the future are that difficulties between them will result in demise of the show. He refuses to believe a change in his own behavior could help stabilize the situation. The Controllability element
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