Attitude change as a motivational factor in producing behavior change related to implementing primary nursing

This study examined the relationship between nurses' improved attitudes toward the feasibility of primary nursing within the Veterans Administration setting and resultant behaviors directed at implementing primary nursing. Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory served as an explanatory model for observed outcomes. Improved attitudes motivated participants to engage in predicted behaviors. Findings implied that effective training is maximized in situations in which correspondence exists between the source of the behavioral deficiency and educational activities designed to remedy the deficiency.