---
title: "ABC Model of Attitude: Affect, Behaviour, Cognition"
description: "The ABC Model of Attitude explains attitudes through affective, behavioural, and cognitive components, essential for UPSC GS Paper IV ethics assessments."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/abc-model-of-attitude"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The ABC Model of Attitude holds that every attitude comprises three interrelated components: affective (feelings), behavioural (action tendencies), and cognitive (beliefs).
- What do the three letters in the ABC Model of Attitude stand for?
- How does the ABC Model differ from the theory of planned behaviour?
- Why do attitudes not always predict behaviour?
- Why is the ABC Model important for UPSC GS Paper IV?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research ABC Model of Attitude (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive) like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about ABC Model of Attitude (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive)

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on ABC Model of Attitude (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive)](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20ABC%20Model%20of%20Attitude%20\(Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive\)%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

India's Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation built its 2017 "Darwaza Band" campaign on the ABC Model, pairing latrine construction (behavioural), shame-and-pride messaging (affective), and hygiene education (cognitive) to end open defecation.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take ABC Model of Attitude (Affective-Behavioural-Cognitive) beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.