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Attribution of Attitude and Behavior Change and Its Relevance to Behavior Therapy

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This review presents evidence in support of the position that greater attitude and behavior change results when an individual attributes changes in his behavior to himself rather than to external manipulations. Research derived from the Schacter and Singer emotionality model, Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance, and role-playing studies clearly supports this perspective. The implications of this research in terms of the practice and scope of behavior therapy as well as new areas of research were also discussed.

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  1. Psychology Department, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, 11790, USA

    Richard A. Winett

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Winett, R.A. Attribution of Attitude and Behavior Change and Its Relevance to Behavior Therapy. Psychol Rec 20, 17–32 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393903

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