When people with high achievement needs fail, they place blame on others, on bad luck, or on fate.

This statement reflects a psychological phenomenon often observed in individuals with high achievement motivation. When they experience failure, they may engage in external attribution, where they ascribe their setbacks to factors outside their control, such as other people, unfortunate circumstances, or fate. This can be a coping mechanism to preserve their self-esteem and maintain their belief in their abilities.

1. Psychological Defense Mechanism: By blaming external factors, individuals can shield themselves from feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth that may arise from failure.

2. Influence on Motivation: This behavior can have mixed effects on motivation. While it may prevent feelings of hopelessness after a setback, it can also hinder growth by avoiding personal accountability and the learning opportunities that come with acknowledging one’s role in a failure.

3. Long-Term Impact: Over time, consistently attributing failure to external factors can lead to a cycle of unproductive behavior and a lack of resilience. Learning to take responsibility for failures can ultimately contribute to personal growth and future successes.

In summary, while it's natural for everyone to seek explanations for failure, individuals with high achievement needs might be particularly prone to externalizing their faults as a way of coping. This behavior underscores the complexity of human psychology in the face of challenges.