What is cognitive dissonance
is the discomfort (dissonance) that people feel when two cognitions (beliefs, attitudes) conflict, or when they behave in ways that are inconsistent with their conception of themselves (self-concept).
What is cognitive dissonance, and how do people avoid dissonance to maintain a positive self-image?
the theory of cognitive Dissonance Most people need to see themselves as intelligent, sensible, and decent folks who behave with integrity. This chapter is about the behavior changes and cognitive distortions that occur when we are faced with evidence that we have done something that is not intelligent, sensible, or decent—the mental effort we expend to maintain that positive self-image.
When cognitions conflict cognitive dissonance is the discomfort (dissonance) that people feel when two cognitions (beliefs, attitudes) conflict, or when they behave in ways that are inconsistent with their conception of themselves (self-concept).
To reduce the dissonance, people either
(1) change their behavior to bring it in line with their cogni tions about themselves,
(2) justify their behavior by changing one of their cognitions, or
(3) attempt to justify their behavior by inventing new cognitions.
How does cognitive dissonance operate in everyday life, and what are some constructive ways of reducing it?
self-Justification in everyday Life Researchers have studied the forms of dissonance reduction and their application in many spheres of life.
the justification of effort
external versus internal justification
Punishment and self-persuasion
the hypocrisy paradigm Hypocrisy induction
Justifying good deeds and harmful acts
Learning from our mistakes
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