ABSTRACT
A concern with explaining why events happened as they did no doubt predates recorded history. Explanations are an important aspect of most philosophical, religious, and scientific accounts, and are found in the most casual conversation and commentary as well. In the last 15 years, psychologists have become interested in the possibility that certain individuals habitually favor certain sorts of explanations over others. Evidence has accumulated that explanatory style indeed exists and relates to a variety of important outcomes, including health and happiness.
