Relationship Between Attitude and Behaviour
The relationship between attitude and behaviour is complex and it is often difficult to predict one’s attitude from his or her behaviour. How many times have you heard people state that they want to be fit but they do not exercise, or that they are worried about global warming but drive a big car which consumes petrol by the gallons.
People say one thing but do not necessarily follow it up with appropriate behaviours. Studies have shown that there are certain special conditions under which attitudes can predict behaviour:
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When attitudes are strong and consistent, that is when the three components of attitude are clear and stable they better predict behaviour. Weak, unimportant and ambiguous attitudes are less likely to predict behaviour.
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When one holds a strong attitude or when one is conscious of one’s attitude, thereby it is also easily recalled and possible to predict behaviour.
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When attitudes have been formed through direct experience prediction of behaviour is more accurate.
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When one acts under social pressure attitude may be expressed in diverse ways. An adolescent may not want to smoke or drink because it affects health. But peer group pressure may force him to drink. Thus his way of thinking is different from his behaviour. When external influences are minimal then attitude-behaviour relationship is becomes strong.
It is important to note whether behaviour is spontaneous or well planned. When behaviour is deliberated upon and planned, particularly which college to join, or when and whom to marry, these issues become important hence hasty decisions will not be taken. Thus, when we have time to think and it is personally relevant then the attitude-behaviour relationship will be strong.