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Induced hypocrisy is a sequential, two-step, cognitive dissonance procedure that prompts individuals to adopt a proattitudinal behavior. The present meta-analysis of 29 published and nine unpublished induced-hypocrisy studies enabled us to test three key dissonance-related issues. First, is hypocrisy effective in promoting change in behavioral intention and behavior? Our analyses supported the idea that hypocrisy (vs. control) increased both behavioral intention and behavior. Second, does hypocrisy generate psychological discomfort? Results pertaining to this issue were inconclusive due to the small number of studies measuring psychological discomfort. Third, are both steps necessary to generate change? Effect sizes conform to the idea that the transgressions-only condition can increase both behavior and intention. Our meta-analysis raises a number of theoretical issues concerning the psychological processes underlying induced hypocrisy and highlights implications for practitioners.

Hypocrisy procedure has been used to induce behavioral change in a wide variety of areas including water conservation, condom use, and donations for homeless people. Hypocrisy implies the articulation of two factors: advocating a prosocial position and being made mindful of failures to behave according to that advocacy. This dissonance leads to a behavioral change which is the most efficient way to restore the self, in line with the self-consistency conception of dissonance. The aim of this study was to refine this procedure in a new setting: road safety area and specifically respect for speed limits. Moreover, we used a feedback threatening versus strengthening people's self-concept. The results suggest that threatening the self-concept enhances the hypocritical effect.

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