Final answer:
The subject in question revolves around psychological responses to stress and attributions for negative events, which can impact mental health. An internal locus of control is associated with better health outcomes and lower depression rates. The refusal to acknowledge external sources or factors in one's problems can contribute to a sense of helplessness, often linked to depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question deals with the psychological concepts of attributions and their relationship to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The specific example given in the information suggests that individuals who refuse to acknowledge external factors as causes for their challenges may be more susceptible to developing symptoms of depression. This is in line with the reformulated learned helplessness model, which posits that the tendency to make internal, stable, and global attributions for negative events can foster a sense of helplessness and contribute to depression.
Furthermore, individuals with an internal locus of control believe that outcomes are the result of their own efforts or personal characteristics, whereas those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external circumstances or luck. Research indicates that those with an internal locus of control are generally healthier, better able to cope with stress, and less prone to depression compared to individuals with an external locus of control.
It is also important to note the example of denial as mentioned in the scenario of Kaila, who refuses to admit having an alcohol problem. Such denial is not uncommon and is a type of defense mechanism, where responsibility is not taken for actions, and it may hinder the process of recovery or seeking help.