Augmentation Principle: Why We Value Actions Against Odds
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · August 21, 2026
Medically & Scientifically Reviewed
Verified: August 21, 2026
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This content undergoes rigorous scientific peer-review and medical editorial standards at Arab Psychology Network to ensure clinical accuracy, validity, and compliance with evidence-based guidelines from leading psychological and healthcare authorities (APA / WHO).
in attribution theory, the principle that if someone performs an action when there are known constraints, his or her motive for acting must be stronger than any of the inhibitory motives or constraints. Compare with the discounting principle, [introduced by U.S. social psychologist Harold H. Kelley (1921-2003)1
AUGMENTATION PRINCIPLE: “The augmentation principle refers to whichever is stronger – the will to act with consequences or the will not to act because of the consequences.”
