Consistency Motive: An Exploration of Its Role in Human Behavior
Abstract
This article explores the consistency motive and its role in human behavior. It discusses the evidence that suggests that humans have a strong need to be consistent in their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. Additionally, it looks at how this need for consistency can lead to irrational decision-making, cognitive dissonance, and other maladaptive behaviors. Finally, it provides possible implications of the consistency motive for practitioners in various fields.
Introduction
The consistency motive refers to the need for humans to be consistent in their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. This need has been identified by psychologists for over a century, and is thought to be a fundamental part of human nature (Bem, 1972). The consistency motive is seen as a way of avoiding cognitive dissonance, which occurs when a person is presented with conflicting information, and must make a decision that is difficult to make (Festinger, 1957). It is thought that the consistency motive serves as a way for humans to reduce the discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance, and to make decisions that are more in line with their existing beliefs and values.
Evidence for the Consistency Motive
The evidence for the consistency motive comes from a variety of sources. For example, research has found that people tend to be more likely to change their opinions when their beliefs are challenged than when they are not (Festinger, 1957). Additionally, people are more likely to stick to their beliefs when they are challenged by someone they view as an authority figure (Kiesler, 1971). Additionally, research has found that people have a tendency to be more consistent in their behavior when they are part of a group (Asch, 1951). This suggests that people have a strong need to maintain consistency in their behavior, even when faced with conflicting information.
Impact of the Consistency Motive
The consistency motive can have a number of different impacts on human behavior. For example, it can lead to irrational decision-making, as people are more likely to make decisions that fit with their existing beliefs and values, even when those decisions are not necessarily the best ones (Festinger, 1957). Additionally, it can lead to cognitive dissonance, as people are faced with conflicting information and must make a difficult decision (Festinger, 1957). Finally, it can lead to maladaptive behaviors, such as avoidance or denial of reality, as people are more likely to avoid situations that challenge their existing beliefs and values (Kiesler, 1971).
Implications for Practitioners
The consistency motive can have a number of implications for practitioners in various fields. For example, in the fields of education and counseling, the need for consistency can be used to guide interventions, as people are more likely to make decisions that are consistent with their existing beliefs and values (Festinger, 1957). Additionally, it can be used to help individuals make more rational decisions, as individuals are more likely to make decisions that are based on evidence rather than being based on their existing beliefs and values (Kiesler, 1971). Finally, it can be used to help individuals manage cognitive dissonance, as individuals are more likely to make decisions that are in line with their existing beliefs and values, and thus reduce the discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the consistency motive is a fundamental part of human nature, and has a significant impact on human behavior. It can lead to irrational decision-making, cognitive dissonance, and other maladaptive behaviors. Additionally, it has implications for practitioners in various fields, and can be used to guide interventions, help individuals make more rational decisions, and reduce cognitive dissonance.
References
Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments. In H. Guetzkow (Ed.), Groups, leadership and men: Research in human relations (pp. 177-190). New York, NY: Harper & Row.
Bem, D. J. (1972). Self-perception theory. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 6, pp. 1-62). New York, NY: Academic Press.
Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Kiesler, D. A. (1971). The psychology of commitment: Experiments linking behavior to belief. New York, NY: Academic Press.