cognitive–evaluative consistency

the degree to which the cognitive basis of an attitude (see bases of an attitude) and the overall attitude are evaluatively consistent with one another. For example, if the cognitive basis is extremely positive and the overall attitude is extremely negative, cognitive–evaluative consistency is low. See also affective–cognitive consistency; affective–evaluative consistency.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

false self

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott (1896–1971), the self that develops as a defense against impingements and in adaptation to the environment. This contrasts with the true self, which develops in an environment that adapts to the infant and allows him or her to discover and express true impulses.