Cognitive dissonance theory explores the discomfort that arises from holding conflicting attitudes or behaviors from "summary" of The Handbook of Social Psychology by Daniel Todd Gilbert,Susan T. Fiske,Gardner Lindzey
Cognitive dissonance theory examines the discomfort that arises when individuals hold conflicting attitudes or engage in behaviors that are inconsistent with their beliefs. This theory suggests that people are motivated to reduce this dissonance by either changing their attitudes or behaviors to align with one another, or by justifying their inconsistencies through rationalization.
When individuals experience cognitive dissonance, they may feel anxious, stressed, or even guilty. This discomfort pushes them to seek ways to restore consistency and harmony within their beliefs and actions. For example, if someone who values honesty finds themselves lying in a situation, they may experience discomfort due to the inconsistency between their belief in honesty and their behavior of lying.
One way individuals may reduce cognitive dissonance is by changing their attitudes to match their behaviors. This process, known as attitude change, allows them to align their beliefs with their actions, thus reducing the discomfort caused by the inconsistency. Alternatively, individuals may also rationalize their behaviors by finding justifications or excuses for their actions. This cognitive process helps them maintain a sense of harmony and reduce the dissonance they experience.
Cognitive dissonance theory highlights the importance of maintaining consistency between attitudes and behaviors to avoid the discomfort that arises from conflicting beliefs. By understanding how individuals strive to reduce cognitive dissonance, researchers can gain insights into human behavior and decision-making processes. This theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals navigate inconsistencies in their beliefs and actions, shedding light on the complexities of the human mind.
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