Adding a New Cognition to Reduce Dissonance
A third way to alleviate cognitive dissonance is by adding a new cognition or belief that helps reconcile the conflicting ones. For example, a smoker might introduce the idea that smoking helps control their appetite and prevent weight gain, framing the behavior as beneficial to their health in another way.
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Ch.12 Social Psychology - Psychology @ OpenStax
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Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course
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OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
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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?
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Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Smoking
Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Military Boot Camp
Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Justifying High Living Costs
An individual who prides themselves on being environmentally conscious experiences significant internal conflict after buying a new, expensive car with poor fuel efficiency. Which of the following thoughts best illustrates the strategy of adding a new cognition to reduce this discomfort?