In Other words, providing an individual with new information that changes the cognitive component of attitude will tend to cause that individual to change overall attitudes toward an object. An alternative to Rosenberg’s theory is Festinger’s theory Of cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957).

Wrightsman (1985) identified five different theories of attitude change to include; stimulus-response and reinforcement theories, social-judgement theory, consistency theory, self-perception theory and functional theory.

Cognitive dissonance is a theory in social psychology. It refers to the mental conflict that occurs when a person’s behaviors and beliefs do not align. It may also happen when a person holds two beliefs that contradict one another.

Factors influencing attitude are beliefs, feelings, and action tendencies of an individual or group of individuals towards objects, ideas, and people.

• Social Factors.
• Direct Instruction.
• Family.
• Prejudices.
• Personal Experience.
• Media.
• Educational and Religious Institutions.
• Physical Factors.

An attitude is an enduring set of emotions or beliefs about a particular object, person, organization, issue or event. They’re formed over time as we are exposed to stimuli and make an evaluation. As we experience the world, our thoughts and emotions coalesce into attitudes, and these then affect our behavior.

Behavioral (or conative) component: the way the attitude we have influences on how we act or behave. For example: “I will avoid spiders and scream if I see one”. Cognitive component: this involves a person’s belief / knowledge about an attitude object.

Attitude is composed of three components, which include a cognitive component, effective or emotional component, and a behavioral component. Basically, the cognitive component is based on the information or knowledge, whereas the affective component is based on the feelings.

Every attitude has three components that are represented in what is called the ABC model of attitudes: A for affective, B for behavioral, and C for cognitive. Although every attitude has these three components, any particular attitude can be based on one component more than another.

8 Ways to Improve Your Attitude

1. Always act with a purpose.
2. Stretch yourself past your limits every day.
3. Take action without expecting results.
4. Use setbacks to improve your skills.
5. Seek out those who share your positive attitude.
6. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
7. Forgive the limitations of others.
8. Say “thank you” more frequently.

What is the difference between attitude and behaviour–any examples? While attitude involves mind’s predisposition to certain ideas, values, people, systems, institutions; behaviour relates to the actual expression of feelings, action or inaction orally or/and through body language.

Behavior does not always follow from attitudes. Behavior follows from attitudes when a person has choice in how to act. For example, a person with a positive attitude may take on a different task than a person with a negative attitude when they are given the choice, but they may both take on the same task if forced to.

However, studies have suggested that people might change their behavior, if the inconsistencies between their beliefs and behavior are pointed out to them. In general, a positive attitude is most likely to have a good effect on one’s behavior.

Focusing on positive thinking

1. Identify areas to change.
2. Check yourself.
3. Be open to humor.
4. Follow a healthy lifestyle.
5. Surround yourself with positive people.
6. Practice positive self-talk.

A positive attitude helps you cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worries and negative thinking. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic, and expect the best to happen.