commitment and consistency principle

The commitment and consistency principle is a psychological tendency where people strive to align their actions with their previous commitments and beliefs. Once someone makes a decision or takes a stance, they are more likely to act consistently with that choice to maintain a sense of integrity and avoid cognitive dissonance. For example, if you publicly agree to support a cause, you’re more inclined to follow through because it feels consistent with your earlier commitment. This principle influences behavior by encouraging people to stay true to their past actions, often leading to persistent or reinforced behavior over time.