A Systematic Review of Attribution Theory Applied to Crisis Events in Communication Journals: Integration and Advancing Insights

Abstract

Research on communication in crises across individual, organizational, and societal levels has expanded significantly, with attribution theory frequently used to explain how people interpret these crises. However, research in the three levels of crises has developed independently, limiting theoretical advancement. This study systematically reviews 133 attribution theory based communication articles in crisis situations, showing that responsibility attribution can be integrated into a unified framework. Attribution theories are most commonly integrated with situational crisis communication theory, framing theory, and image repair theory—three communication theories developed over three decades ago, primarily focusing on content effects. This study calls for modernizing attribution-related communication theories and testing media effects beyond content influence in today’s rapidly changing media environment. Additionally, it advocates for adopting a multi-agent approach to responsibility attribution and emphasizing treatment responsibility attribution. Further insights into research contexts and methodologies are provided to advance scholarly knowledge and suggest directions for future research.