Final answer:
A pessimistic explanatory style involves explaining negative life events as stable, global, and internal, which can lead to depression but can be changed with practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explaining failures and setbacks in terms of factors that are stable, global, and internal is referred to as a pessimistic explanatory style. A pessimistic explanatory style is characterized by internal attributions (believing outcomes are due to one's own traits or actions), stable attributions (believing the reasons for these outcomes will not change over time), and global attributions (believing these reasons affect many or all areas of one's life). This style is outlined in the reformulated theory of learned helplessness by Seligman, and it has been associated with a higher risk of developing depression following negative life events.
Through research, it has been noted that individuals who commonly utilize a pessimistic explanatory style feel a lack of control over stressful situations and are more susceptible to depression. However, attribution habits can be changed with practice and training, fostering more resilient and positive outcomes. Guiding students to interpret failures with a balanced perspective that incorporates both internal and external factors and recognizing that circumstances can indeed change is essential for psychological well-being and preventing a slide into a pessimistic explanatory style.