Which one of the following best illustrates a hostile attributional bias?
A) Howard thinks that other students will like him better if he projects a "tough guy" image.
B) When Isaac accidentally brushes by Jana in the hall, Jana assumes that Isaac is intentionally trying to hurt her.
C) Kenneth gets a thrill out of threatening children younger than himself and watching them squirm.
D) Linda spreads malicious gossip whenever she hears it; on some occasions, she starts unkind rumors herself.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hostile attributional bias refers to the tendency to interpret others' behaviors as having hostile intent, even when the behavior could be interpreted benignly. In the given options, Jana assuming that Isaac is intentionally trying to hurt her when he accidentally brushes by her in the hall is a clear example of interpreting a possibly benign action as having hostile intent.

Which One of the Following Best Illustrates a Hostile Attributional