Do Reattributions of Delinquent Behavior Reduce Blame?

Little empirical support exists for the effectiveness of reattribution techniques (e.g., reframing) in family therapy, although these techniques are often recommended as ways to reduce blame. One hundred twenty undergraduate subjects were randomly assigned to the conditions of an experimental procedure designed to elicit blaming attributions similar to those found in distressed families. Results showed that an experimental reattribution similar to a therapeutic reframe/relabel significantly reduced the intensity of blaming attributions. Although not obtained in an actual clinical context, the findings strengthen the empirical underpinnings of therapies that use a reattributional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]