Cognitive Dissonance: Theory, Examples & How to Reduce It

Yet what happens to discoveries that go against one’s theory, or even simpler, against accepted theories. Well-known studies of the growth of knowledge established that new ideas are ignored, usually until the next generation of scientists. cognitive dissonance theory Great scientific discoveries may provoke not only fascination but also envy and rivalry. But worse, as established in the 20th century, the first reaction could be a cognitive dissonance, and as a result the novel is ignored.

Challenge current beliefs

Therefore, changes are more likely to happen in an element that is less resistant or less important (Cooper, 2007). An individual may fail to restore a consonance, if there is a lack of social support and new harmonious elements, or the existing problematic element is too satisfying (Harmon-Jones & Harmon-Jones, 2007). Negative consequences of cognitive dissonance reduction include procrastination or acting seemingly contrary to our values and beliefs. However, it can be beneficial to remind ourselves that it exists as a psychological safety mechanism to help us perceive the world consistently and to protect the perception we have about ourselves. Experiencing cognitive dissonance can lead people to try to reduce their feelings of discomfort —sometimes in surprising or unexpected ways. To deal with the feelings of discomfort then, they might find some way of rationalizing the conflicting cognition.

Effects of cognitive dissonance

Another person (who appeared to not be part of the original study) then asked participants to report on how interesting the study actually was. According to Festinger, there are a few ways that a person might resolve this dissonance. Discover the intriguing connection between narcissism and pet guardianship, exploring how these dynamics impact both animals and their people in surprising ways. Social Influence Model [18] was created to analyze any relationship https://ecosoberhouse.com/ between the influencer and the influencee where predatory or undue influence takes place. The Social Influence model is a systematic approach that allows expert witnesses to analyze and evaluate the elements of any specific case in terms of the degree of undue influence. The model clearly demonstrates the predator-prey relationship, and fleshes out the key elements that can help judges and juries to better understand the dynamics of an influence relationship.

Cognitive Dissonance: Festinger’s Theory

These 17 Positive CBT & Cognitive Therapy Exercises [PDF] include our top-rated, ready-made templates for helping others develop more helpful thoughts and behaviors in response to challenges, while broadening the scope of traditional CBT. This offers opportunities to discuss the discrepancies, deepen the relationship, and re-align values. Conversely, we may justify or trivialize negative behavior or even end the relationship. Cognitive dissonance and the way we cope with it regularly affect our relationships, too, both positively and negatively.

The group can try to make them feel guilty for their religion of origin, race, country, or some aspect of their personal history. Cult membership is designed to keep people permanently frustrated and dependent. Cult leaders want members to feel positive self-esteem through being a part of the group, not through individual accomplishments. Guilt, fear and aversion or disgust [12] are the three most frequently used emotional control techniques.

• We, scientists love to praise ourselves that we do not discard contradictions, that we enjoy contradictions because they give us food for thoughts, for creating theories overcoming contradictions.
• This will help to reduce the amount of cognitive dissonance employees experience between their personal values and those promoted by the company, boosting morale and productivity.
• Though a person may not always resolve cognitive dissonance, the response to it may range from ignoring the source of it to changing one’s beliefs or behavior to eliminate the conflict.
• The “dissonance” or conflict between what we may believe and what we have actually done creates great tension.
• For example, in an analog research design, Heppner and Dixon (1978) exposed participants to an expert or an inexpert counselor who attempted to change their opinions about their problem-solving abilities.

There are still debates around the theory that can be traced in Brehm’s (2007) review and a more recent Kenworthy et al. (2011) trans-paradigm theoretical synthesis of cognitive dissonance theory. In this article the authors using modern statistical techniques aim to test five research paradigms. It seems that cognitive dissonance is a theoretical field that will continue to trigger basic and applied research. Dissonance-based interventions (DBIs) were developed based on Festinger’s well-known cognitive dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance theory postulates that an underlying psychological tension is created when an individual’s behavior is inconsistent with his or her thoughts and beliefs. This underlying tension then motivates an individual to make an attitude change that would produce consistency between thoughts and behaviors.

• Eating meat does not psychologically fit together with not wanting to hurt animals, and together they cause an internal conflict.
• One of the most challenging methods to resolve cognitive dissonance involves altering deep-seated beliefs.
• In other words, an individual can reduce the mental discomfort by changing the inconsistent cognitions, reducing the importance of conflicting elements, acquiring new harmonious elements or increasing the importance of the existing consistent elements.
• The writer is given a byline for the piece that is published; his or her name appears alongside the article.
• In this article, we delve deep into the theory of cognitive dissonance, revealing how it relates to decision-making, dealing with discomfort, and empowering businesses to craft compelling strategies.
• Commitment is an important determinant both of cognitive dissonance and of self-perception (see earlier discussion of Bem’s 1972 conception).

How Cognitive Dissonance Feels