Self-perception theory

Definition

Self-perception theory is a psychological concept suggesting that individuals form their attitudes and beliefs by observing their own behavior and the context in which it occurs. This means people often deduce what they think or feel based on how they act, rather than relying on introspection. It emphasizes the idea that behavior can shape internal states, connecting to how we view ourselves, how we adjust our attitudes when faced with inconsistencies, and how social influences can modify our perceptions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-perception theory was proposed by Daryl Bem in the 1970s and challenges the traditional view that internal states drive behavior.
2. People often change their attitudes to align with their actions, especially when those actions are freely chosen and uncoerced.
3. This theory is particularly relevant in situations where individuals have no prior strong opinions or feelings about an issue, as their behavior will inform their views.
4. Self-perception theory has practical applications in areas like marketing and therapy, where understanding behavior can help shape attitudes.
5. The theory suggests that self-reflection may not be as effective in understanding one's attitudes as observing one's behavior in various contexts.

Review Questions

• How does self-perception theory explain the relationship between behavior and attitude formation?
  • Self-perception theory posits that people develop their attitudes by observing their own behavior and the circumstances surrounding it. For example, if someone frequently volunteers, they may come to see themselves as altruistic. This suggests that our actions can lead us to form beliefs about ourselves, rather than pre-existing attitudes guiding our behavior.
• Discuss how self-perception theory relates to cognitive dissonance and its impact on attitude change.
  • Self-perception theory provides an alternative explanation to cognitive dissonance. While cognitive dissonance focuses on the discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs leading to attitude change, self-perception theory emphasizes how individuals adjust their beliefs based on observed behavior. If someone acts in a way that contradicts their initial belief, they may reinterpret their attitude to align more closely with their action, thereby reducing dissonance through self-observation.
• Evaluate the implications of self-perception theory in the context of social influence and resistance to persuasion.
  • Self-perception theory highlights that individuals might resist persuasion efforts if they are encouraged to act in ways that do not align with their existing beliefs. For instance, if a person who generally supports environmental conservation is prompted to engage in environmentally harmful behaviors without strong external pressure, they might reflect on these behaviors and adjust their attitudes to justify them. This underscores how subtle social influences can shape our perceptions of ourselves and complicate attempts at persuasion.

Related terms

Attitude: An attitude is a psychological tendency expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor, which can be influenced by self-perception.

Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, often leading individuals to change their attitudes to align with their behaviors.

Social Influence: Social influence refers to the ways in which individuals change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as a result of interaction with others, impacting self-perception and behavior.