Changing Behavior to Reduce Dissonance

Changing Cognitions to Reduce Dissonance

Adding a New Cognition to Reduce Dissonance

Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Military Boot Camp

Cognitive Dissonance vs. Persuasion as Mechanisms for Attitude Change

An individual is deeply committed to environmental sustainability and believes that reducing personal waste is a moral obligation. However, they frequently purchase single-use bottled water out of convenience, which causes them significant mental discomfort. To reduce this discomfort, they start to heavily research and focus on the fact that the brand of water they buy uses 100% recycled plastic for its bottles, telling themselves, 'By buying this specific brand, I'm supporting the recycling industry, which is a greater good.' Which strategy is this individual using to alleviate their internal conflict?

An individual who values environmental sustainability finds themselves frequently purchasing coffee in disposable cups due to convenience. To resolve the internal conflict they feel, they begin to tell themselves, 'By buying from this local cafe, I'm supporting a small business and helping my community's economy.' Which method of reducing mental discomfort does this line of reasoning best represent?

Achieving Consonance through Dissonance Reduction