Attitude vs. Behaviour

Attribute	Attitude	Behaviour
Definition	Psychological tendency to evaluate certain entities	Observable actions or reactions of an individual
Formation	Can be influenced by beliefs, emotions, and experiences	Can be influenced by attitudes, beliefs, and social norms
Stability	Can be relatively stable over time	Can be more variable and context-dependent
Measurement	Often measured through surveys or questionnaires	Often measured through observations or self-reports
Impact on actions	Attitudes can influence behaviour but not always	Behaviour is a direct manifestation of actions

Definition

Attitude and behaviour are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Attitude refers to a person's feelings, beliefs, and opinions about something or someone. It is often described as a mental state that influences how a person perceives and reacts to the world around them. On the other hand, behaviour refers to the actions or reactions of a person in response to external stimuli or internal thoughts and feelings.

Characteristics

Attitude is typically more internal and subjective, as it is based on personal thoughts and emotions. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as upbringing, culture, experiences, and values. Behaviour, on the other hand, is more external and observable. It is the way in which a person expresses their attitudes through actions, words, and gestures. Behaviour can be influenced by attitudes, but it can also be influenced by external factors, such as social norms, peer pressure, and situational context.

Relationship

Attitude and behaviour are closely related, but they are not always aligned. While attitudes can influence behaviour, they do not always predict it accurately. For example, a person may have a positive attitude towards exercise and believe that it is important for their health, but they may still struggle to consistently engage in physical activity. This discrepancy between attitude and behaviour is known as the attitude-behaviour gap. On the other hand, behaviour can also influence attitudes. When a person repeatedly engages in a certain behaviour, it can shape their attitudes and beliefs over time.

Consistency

One key difference between attitude and behaviour is their consistency. Attitudes tend to be more stable and enduring over time, while behaviour can be more variable and context-dependent. A person's attitude towards a particular issue or person may remain relatively constant, even in the face of contradictory information or experiences. However, their behaviour in relation to that issue or person may change depending on the situation or their mood. This inconsistency between attitude and behaviour can lead to confusion and frustration, both for the individual and for those around them.

Impact

Attitude and behaviour both have a significant impact on a person's life and relationships. Attitudes can shape a person's perceptions, decisions, and interactions with others. They can influence how a person approaches challenges, how they communicate with others, and how they make choices in various aspects of their life. Behaviour, on the other hand, can directly affect a person's relationships, reputation, and opportunities. The way in which a person behaves towards others can determine how they are perceived and treated by those around them.

Development

Attitudes and behaviours can both be developed and changed over time. Attitudes can be influenced by exposure to new information, experiences, and perspectives. For example, a person's attitude towards a certain social issue may evolve as they learn more about it and engage with different viewpoints. Behaviour, on the other hand, can be modified through practice, feedback, and reinforcement. By consistently engaging in a desired behaviour and receiving positive feedback or rewards, a person can strengthen that behaviour and make it more automatic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attitude and behaviour are two distinct but interconnected aspects of human psychology. While attitude refers to a person's thoughts and feelings about something, behaviour refers to their actions and reactions. Attitudes can influence behaviour, but they do not always predict it accurately. Behaviour, in turn, can shape attitudes over time. Both attitude and behaviour have a significant impact on a person's life and relationships, and they can be developed and changed through various means. Understanding the differences and relationships between attitude and behaviour can help individuals navigate their own thoughts and actions more effectively.