Evidence of a positive relationship between age and preference for consistency

The preference that incoming information be consistent with pre-existing attitudes, cognitions, and beliefs is referred to as the preference for consistency. Based on the assumption that inconsistency is emotionally upsetting, we expected a preference for consistency to be associated with the: (a) experience of emotional upset and (b) motivation to reduce emotional upset. In addition, we expected a preference for consistency to grow with age because avoiding emotional disruption becomes a more salient motivation with increasing age. A study of 269 individuals between 18 and over 80 years of age confirmed these predictions. We conclude that, because of a heightened motive for emotional harmony, older individuals are especially likely to prefer consistent activities, cognitions, and people.