II. The Rules of Consistency

1. People Expect Consistency
   1. My behavior is consistent with my self-concept

2. Inconsistencies Create Dissonance
   1. Uncomfortable and tense subjective experience
   2. Stress-like physiology
   3. If dissonance was a pill, you wouldn't buy it

3. Dissonance Motivates Desire for Consistency
   1. Reduce dissonance by changing perception of Behavior
   2. Reduce dissonance by changing perception of Self

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Updated March 21, 1996; Copyright © SBB, 1996