Consistency and the Psychology of Fallenness

The Principle of Consistency: People desire to be and look consistent in their words, beliefs, attitudes, and deeds. Active, effortful, and uncoerced are the most effective at determining future compliance. Commitment decisions (even poor ones) often endure because we instinctively add new reasons to justify/rationalize our decisions. (paraphrased from pg. 95, Influence: Science and Practice […]

Social Proof and the Psychology of Fallenness

God wired us for community so that we could grow in love for one another and for Him. But what happens when are surrounded by selfishness? ============= The Principle of Social proof: “The principle of social proof states that one important means that people use to decide what to believe or how to act in […]

The Readers Digest and the Psychology of Fallenness

The March 2009 issue of Reader’s Digest offers up an interesting look at the Psychology of Fallenness. ====== [Please forgive me, a sinner. This essay may be even less coherent and more in need of editing than usual (quite a feat!). In keeping with the essay’s content, I would like to blame Lent rather than […]