216. Why Do We Make Excuses?
No Stupid Questions
Deep Dive
What is the difference between an excuse and a justification?
An excuse shifts blame to external factors beyond one's control, distancing the person from responsibility. A justification, on the other hand, accepts responsibility but argues that the action was morally or appropriately justified due to higher-level principles or goals.
Why are excuses often seen as negative?
Excuses are perceived negatively because they suggest a person is distancing themselves from responsibility for a negative outcome, which can imply a lack of accountability.
What does research say about the effectiveness of excuses versus justifications in workplace scenarios?
A 2003 meta-analysis found that excuses are more beneficial than justifications in workplace contexts. Offering an excuse, where the person claims mitigating circumstances beyond their control, tends to be more effective than justifying the action as part of a higher goal.
What are the psychological benefits of making excuses, according to Snyder and Higgins?
Snyder and Higgins argue that excuses can preserve self-esteem, reduce negative emotions like guilt or anxiety, and improve performance by focusing on external factors rather than internal blame, which can lead to a sense of control and agency.
How does the concept of learned helplessness relate to excuse-making?
Learned helplessness, coined by Marty Seligman, involves attributing negative outcomes to personal, permanent, and pervasive causes, which can lead to feelings of helplessness. Excuse-making, in contrast, shifts focus away from personal blame, potentially preserving self-esteem and agency.
What is the 'three Ps' attribution style, and how does it apply to excuse-making?
The 'three Ps' attribution style refers to personal (is it your fault?), permanent (will it happen again?), and pervasive (does it affect other areas of life?). Excuse-making often avoids the personal dimension by blaming external factors, but it can still lead to a sense of agency if the outcome is seen as not permanent or pervasive.
How can excuses paradoxically lead to taking more responsibility?
Excuses can be used strategically to acknowledge past behavior while framing it as a legitimate misunderstanding or lack of knowledge. For example, saying 'I couldn't have known' allows someone to change their stance without losing face, ultimately enabling them to take responsibility for future actions.
Why might excuses be more effective in certain contexts, like workplace layoffs?
In workplace layoffs, excuses (e.g., blaming economic factors) are more effective than justifications (e.g., claiming it's for the best) because they acknowledge the negative impact while suggesting that the decision was unavoidable, which can be more palatable to those affected.
What is the danger of habitual excuse-making?
Habitual excuse-making can erode trust and reputation, as it suggests a pattern of avoiding responsibility. Over time, people may stop believing the excuses and view the person as unreliable or lacking integrity.
How does the concept of character relate to excuse-making?
Character, which emphasizes integrity and responsibility, is often at odds with excuse-making. While excuses may offer short-term psychological benefits, they can undermine long-term character development by fostering a habit of avoiding accountability.
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