Who is credited with proposing the Self-Perception Theory?

Self-Perception Theory was proposed by Daryl Bem in the 1970s. This theory suggests that individuals develop their attitudes and beliefs by observing their own behavior and concluding what attitudes must have caused them. Rather than having predetermined attitudes that drive behavior, this theory posits that people can infer their internal states from their external actions, similar to how they would make inferences about others' feelings and attitudes.

For instance, if someone frequently volunteers, they may come to believe that they enjoy helping others. This approach emphasizes the role of self-observation in understanding one’s own emotions and beliefs, making it a significant contribution to social psychology and self-assessment. The implications of Self-Perception Theory have resonated in various fields, including behavioral psychology and attitude formation, highlighting how behavior can influence one's self-concept.