Functional Approach to Attitudes

The functional approach to attitudes suggests that people's attitudes serve specific roles or functions to meet their needs. For example, someone may have a positive attitude toward healthy eating to maintain health (knowledge function), or hold strong beliefs to boost self-esteem (ego-defense function). Essentially, attitudes help individuals manage their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, aligning with their goals or protecting them from discomfort. This perspective highlights that attitudes are not random but are developed and maintained because they serve particular psychological purposes.