What term describes when someone attributes a negative outcome solely to external factors?

The term that describes attributing a negative outcome solely to external factors is rationalization. This psychological defense mechanism allows individuals to justify their actions or outcomes by providing seemingly logical reasons, rather than acknowledging their own role or the internal factors that may have contributed to a situation. Rationalization can help individuals protect their self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image, even when they face negative consequences in their lives.

In this context, rationalization often leads to an oversimplified view of the situation, where personal responsibility is diminished, and blame is shifted entirely to outside influences. This can create a distorted understanding of causality and impede personal growth or learning from experiences.