Final answer:
An individual will change his behavior if he makes an internal choice to do so, often in alignment with his personal value system and influenced by a desire to reduce cognitive dissonance. While external factors can persuade, change is contingent upon the individual's commitment to alter their thinking and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the stages of change model, an individual will change his behavior if he makes the internal choice to change. This assertion recognizes that a commitment on their part to change their thinking and behaviors is key. Another aspect is that such change often reflects an alignment with their personal value system. Events or realizations that might drive this internal change can include experiences like a changed attitude toward a family member, a move to a new country, or a personal epiphany regarding admired individuals or self-beliefs.
One internal form of attitude change is cognitive dissonance, which occurs when a person's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors are in conflict. To resolve this dissonance, they may choose to change aspects of their thinking or behavior. This choice is informed by both internal influences, such as personal values and the desire for consistent self-perception, and external factors, such as social pressures or persuasive communication.
Individuals will also consider their social environment, including support from family and friends and the larger social context, which can include societal norms or pressures from authority figures and in-group expectations. Nonetheless, while external persuasion can influence attitudes and behaviors, it is ultimately the individual's decision to embrace or resist change based on personal beliefs and values.