Cognitive dissonance and self-perception theory are two psychological theories that can be used to help change people's attitudes toward sports.

Here is an overview of how these theories can be applied:

Cognitive Dissonance:

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort that arises when an individual's attitudes or behaviors are inconsistent with each other. To reduce this discomfort, individuals may change their attitudes or behaviors to be consistent with each other. In the context of sports, individuals who have negative attitudes towards sports may experience cognitive dissonance if they engage in sports activities or if they hear positive feedback from others about sports participation. To reduce this discomfort, individuals may change their attitudes toward sports to be more positive.

Self-Perception Theory:

Self-perception theory suggests that individuals infer their attitudes and beliefs based on their own behaviors and the context in which those behaviors occur. In the context of sports, individuals may develop more positive attitudes towards sports if they engage in sports activities and experience positive outcomes such as increased energy, improved mood, or social connection. By observing their own behaviors and the positive outcomes they experience, individuals may infer that they have a more positive attitude toward sports.

Applying these theories to change attitudes towards sports may involve encouraging individuals to engage in sports activities and providing positive feedback about the benefits of sports participation.

For example

individuals who have negative attitudes towards sports may be encouraged to try a new sport or attend a sports event to experience the positive outcomes of sports participation. Positive feedback about their experiences can also help to reduce cognitive dissonance and promote positive attitudes towards sports. Additionally, promoting positive role models who actively engage in sports can also be effective in changing attitudes towards sports by providing examples of the positive outcomes of sports participation.