What does commitment and consistency imply about human behavior?

Commitment and consistency suggest that individuals generally strive to align their actions with their stated beliefs and values. This concept is rooted in the idea that once people commit to a particular stance or attitude, they feel a psychological pressure to remain consistent with that commitment. This is often driven by a desire to be viewed as reliable and trustworthy, both to themselves and to others.

When individuals express a belief or make a commitment, they are more likely to act in ways that are congruent with that belief. This drive for consistency can influence their behaviors and decisions, leading them to uphold their commitments even in the face of challenges. Thus, commitment and consistency highlight a fundamental aspect of human behavior—people generally prefer to act in a manner that reflects their expressed beliefs, reinforcing their self-image and social perceptions.