During a group discussion on smoking, Ethan says that one should avoid smoking as it is injurious to health and it symbolizes weakness. Later, Ethan avoids smoking in front of his classmates lest his views on smoking contradict his words. He also wishes to appear consistent. Which of the following theories of psychology best explains Ethan's behavior?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The scenario presents a person who articulates a health-promoting stance in group discussion but then alters his behavior in the presence of others to avoid hypocrisy and to maintain a consistent image. Now let's evaluate each option in turn.
Option 1: motivation crowding theory. This theory deals with how external incentives or social factors can undermine or enhance intrinsic motivation for a task. It is primarily about the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation, rather than about maintaining a self-image or impression in social contexts. Therefore, this option seems mismatched with the described concern for consistency of behavior across situations.
Option 2: cognitive dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance concerns the psychological discomfort that arises from holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes, or from behaving in ways that conflict with them. In Ethan's case, the tension is between his expressed view that smoking is injurious and his actual behavior of avoiding smoking to prevent contradicting his words. However, cognitive dissonance explains the internal motivation to change beliefs or justify behavior, not necessarily the strategic management of others' perceptions or audience-focused self-presentation. The emphasis here is still on internal consistency, whereas the scenario highlights presenting a congruent image to others.
Option 3: self-presentation theory. This theory centers on how individuals manage the impressions others form of them, tailoring behavior to appear a certain way in social contexts. Ethan’s concern with appearing consistent and avoiding contradictions in front of classmates aligns with presenting oneself in a favorable or stable light, i.e., managing impressions rather than changing internal attitudes. The behavior described fits a self-presentation motive: shaping external appearance, not just aligning inner beliefs.
Option 4: social penetration theory. This relates to the gradual deepening of interpersonal relationships through layers of self-disclosure, moving from superficial to intimate information. It’s a theory about relationship development and disclosure patterns, not about image management or consistency in mimicry across social situations. Thus it doesn’t capture Ethan’s described motivation.
Across the options, the key feature of the vignette is Ethan’s concern with how others perceive him and his effort to maintain a coherent public image, rather than addressing internal motivation, belief change due to dissonance, or depth of interpersonal disclosure. The reasoning in Option 3 best captures the strategic impression-management element at play.

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