Self-serving Bias

A type of cognitive bias where one attributes their successes to internal factors (e.g., ability, effort) and failures to external factors (e.g., fate, luck). This form of thinking serves as a defense mechanism that helps protect one’s self-esteem.

Reference:
Campbell, W. K., & Sedikides, C. (1999). Self-threat magnifies the self-serving bias: A meta-analytic integration. Review of General Psychology, 3(1), 23-43. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.3.1.23

Shepperd, J., Malone, W., & Sweeny, K. (2008). Exploring causes of the self‐serving bias. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2(2), 895-908. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00078.x