What does self-perception theory suggest about how individuals form attitudes?

Self-perception theory posits that individuals form their attitudes by observing their own behavior and inferring their feelings and beliefs from those observations. This theory, proposed by psychologist Daryl Bem in the 1970s, suggests that when people are unsure of their attitudes, they look at their actions to make judgments about what they believe.

For instance, if someone frequently engages in volunteering, they might conclude that they have a positive attitude toward helping others. This process emphasizes the role of self-observation in understanding one's own attitudes, particularly in situations where those attitudes are not well defined or are ambiguous. Therefore, rather than merely adopting attitudes from external sources or being influenced by the environment or teachings, individuals are active agents in developing their own perceptions by reflecting on their own actions and behaviors.