u07d1 Attitude and Behavior

In preparation for this topic of discussion, begin by reading the unit introduction, Attitudes and Persuasion. Next, read the relevant sections from Chapter 6 in the text. Then, locate a psychological research journal article that is related to the discussion, and address the discussion topics posed below. In your posting, address these items to participate in this discussion: 1. What are the factors that influence the link between attitudes and behavior? 2. Provide examples that illustrate the factors you choose. Remember to cite and reference information from the text and readings using APA 5th edition style.

Resources

Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions. Professional Communications and Writing Guide.

It is commonly held that an individuals attitudes inevitably determine his or her behavior. Indeed, a copious amount of information is exchanged daily in the form of marketing strategies geared towards that very principle of changing attitudes and thus influencing behavior. According to Kassin, Fein & Markus (2008), a positive correlation between attitudes and behavior is enhanced by construct similarity. In a recent study on sports attitudes, researchers found that those who were loyal to their local team had a propensity for risk taking as active consumers, as opposed to the nonconsumption group who held a general and ambivalent attitude towards sports, citing dishonesty and scandals as examples of inactive involvement (Gau, & Korzenny, 2009). The theory of planned behavior states that behavior is determined by responsiveness to social norms, ability to control outcomes and preconceived attitudes towards a specific behavior (Kassin, Fein, & Markus, 2008). These factors contribute to an intention to a behavioral response. It is important to note that the behavioral response does not always correlate with an individuals intention. The strength or importance of an attitude is highly influential in determining a specific behavioral response. Factors that consistently link the strength of attitude to behavior are: the volume of information, personal experience, resisting an opposing viewpoint and a high accessibility to awareness (Kassin, Fein, & Markus, 2008). A recent study of professional counselors indicated that religious identity has a strong influence on various aspects of multicultural competence, sexism, and homophobia (Balkin, Schlosser & Levitt, 2009). The sample size of 112 counselors is small, but nevertheless significant. It noted a link between rigid religious beliefs and homophobia and sexism. Those counselors who adhered to a rigid thinking regarding their beliefs or attempted to reconcile their beliefs with others of similar faith were more prone to sexist and homophobic attitudes and behaviors towards gays and women. Furthermore, the study concluded that participants were more tolerant of multiculturalism, than sexist attitudes to women. Those who adhere to more religious fundamentalists attitudes placed women in more traditional roles than those held by most women today. Religious fundamentalism has been determined to be a significant predictor of prejudice towards women and gays (Balkin, Schlosser & Levitt, 2009).

Counselors need to be aware that their religious beliefs may engender homophobic and sexist attitudes towards specific clients. Matching highly religious clients with counselors of similar orientation may establish greater rapport and provide more positive interventions and outcomes. However, this strategy may accomplish little in terms of changing attitudes and behavior of religiously rigid professionals towards these specific groups. Anthony Rhodes References Kassin, S. Fein, S. & Markus, H. (2008). Social psychology (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618989966. Gau, L., & Korzenny, F.. (2009). An Examination of Values Associated with Sports Attitude and Consumption Behavior: an Exploratory Study. Social Behavior and Personality, 37(3), 299-305. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from ProQuest Psychology Journals. (Document ID: 1768540711) Balkin, R., Schlosser, L., & Levitt, D.. (2009). Religious Identity and Cultural Diversity: Exploring the Relationships Between Religious Identity, Sexism, Homophobia, and Multicultural Competence. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 87(4), 420-427. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1865222611).