Summary: Two studies tested the opposite predictions of reactance and dissonance theory with regard to the responses of the Germans to the introduction of the Euro. Reactance theory predicts that persons who are convinced that the Euro will replace the DM evaluate the Euro more negatively than less convinced persons. In contrast, dissonance theorists would expect that the convinced persons assess the Euro more favorably than persons who still have some doubts that the introduction of the Euro will indeed happen. In accordance with the predictions of dissonance theory, both studies revealed that the convinced persons evaluated the Euro more positively than the less convinced persons. Hence, it can be assumed that the Germans will accept their new currency. However, overall the DM was still preferred as compared to the Euro.
