Usually behaviour follows logically from attitude but sometimes actual behaviour may be contrary of ones attitude towards an object/ topic.
There would be consistency between attitudes and behaviour.
- The attitude is strong and occupies a central place in the attitude system.
- The person is aware of her/ his attitude.
- There is very little or no external pressure for the person to behave in a particular way.
e.g. when there is no group pressure to follow, a particular norm.
- The persons behaviour is not being watched or evaluated by others.
- The person thinks that the behaviour would have a positive consequence and therefore intends to engage in that behavour.
Alternate Answer
Attitudes are patterns or habits of thought that have been forged around our assumptions. Assumptions are the conscious judgments we make about a situation, a person or an event. Our assumptions can be based on experience, intuition, anecdote or belief. What’s important to note is that our assumptions drive our attitudes.
Behaviors are conducive to either your attitude towards a circumstance, situation, or person, thus creating the reaction to a situation and the person would behave reactive to the attitude towards the person place or thing.
Attitude begins in the mind and then gets reflected in the body (behavior).
A person could be full of attitude, and not let it be reflected in their behavior, but this would take a tremendous amount of self control, and a lot of mindful practice. Just as it takes a lot of practice to self induce an attitude, and then act out the part through behavior, even though it’s not a reflection of your inner self at all, as in the case of professional acting.
Example: A friend invites you to join him next Saturday afternoon at an art gallery exhibit featuring the work of some local modern artists. Though you enjoy art, your artistic taste and interest tends to run more along traditional lines (portraits, landscapes, etc.) However, not wanting to disappoint a friend, you agree to go.
As the date for the exhibit nears, your prevailing assumption is that this will be a wasted afternoon with nothing of particular interest for you. Next, your attitude begins to conjure thoughts of boredom, tedium. Come the day of the exhibit, your behavior indicates a clear lack of interest, overt indifference and strong desire to be someplace else.