Festinger’s original theory did not seek to explain how dissonance works. It proposes that inconsistencies in a person’s cognition cause mental stress because psychological inconsistency interferes with the person’s functioning in the real world. If the person changes the current attitude, after the dissonance occurs, they are then obligated to commit to that course of behavior. 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.
More from Merriam-Webster on cognitive dissonance
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- As mentioned, there are many dissonance-reducing strategies that omnivores can employ to reduce the discomfort that arises.
- Instead, more or less successful attempts are made to explain or rationalize them, thereby reducing dissonance.
- Cognitive dissonance may help you make positive changes in your life, but it can also be destructive, especially when you look for ways to rationalize and continue harmful behaviors.
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. 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. Great scientific discoveries may provoke not only fascination but also envy and rivalry.
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For example, a smoker might quit smoking or instead rationalize their behavior by saying other habits are just as dangerous. Often, cognitive dissonance creates a mild discomfort and won’t cause a huge disruption in your life. Several methods are used to produce cognitive dissonance and are at the core of every DBI program. First, participants volunteer to participate in the program and keep an open mind regarding topics discussed. Feeling that participation is voluntary is critical for creating dissonance.
Emotions of Cognitive Dissonances
Modifying the action usually means trying to justify or rationalize why you acted the way you did (since you can’t simply undo whatever it is you did). The beliefs shared by a community become truths that cannot be challenged and therefore can no longer be discussed. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. Join 550,000+ helping professionals who get free, science-based tools sent directly to their inbox.
How To Reduce Cognitive Dissonance
Conversely, we may justify or trivialize negative behavior or even end the relationship. Festinger and Carlsmith (1959) conducted one of the first studies examining cognitive dissonance addiction. These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to find new pathways to reduce suffering and more effectively cope with life stressors. In that sense, the experience of cognitive dissonance is an opportunity to learn and grow, as long as we deal with it constructively and respond in a way that we choose and is beneficial. It can also further strain your relationships with others, especially if you’re having cognitive dissonance related to what someone else is saying or doing.
Cognitive Dissonance Examples in TV Shows and Movies
Peer pressure often refers to children and teenagers, but adults can behave in a way that goes against their values because of social pressure, too. Laughing at an offensive joke because your friend told it or because others are laughing is an example of that. To help give you the idea, here are some examples of situations in which you might feel cognitive dissonance. Alternatively, maybe resolving that dissonance means that she recognizes she’s more introverted than she thought she was, and enjoys that alone time. As a result she might start to feel grateful for and happy about those nights in, rather than beating herself up for being “lazy” or not sociable enough.
Effects of Cognitive Dissonance
You may tell yourself that the concert was better than it was or that it was worth the wait for some other reason so you can feel better about the effort you put in. Being made to do something in public that you don’t agree with can cause cognitive dissonance. For example, you might be told to give a public apology or walk back something you previously said.
- Cognitive dissonance theory, which was founded by American social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957, states that cognitive dissonance drives people to resolve the conflict between truths and behaviors that don’t match one another.
- We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans.
- Some of these changes can be positive, such as shifting problematic beliefs or harmful habits.
- The theory is based on the idea that two cognitions can be relevant or irrelevant to each other (Festinger, 1957).
- This is especially true if you’re caught up in a toxic work environment.
- This article provides some examples of cognitive dissonance, discusses the signs, and offers some suggestions on how to cope with it.
