Changing Behavior to Reduce Dissonance
One primary method for resolving cognitive dissonance is to change the discrepant behavior so it aligns with one's cognitions or beliefs. For example, a smoker who believes smoking is harmful can eliminate the internal conflict by quitting smoking.
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Ch.12 Social Psychology - Psychology @ OpenStax
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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
An individual is deeply committed to animal welfare and believes that purchasing products tested on animals is unethical. Despite this belief, they regularly buy a popular cosmetic brand that they know engages in animal testing. This discrepancy causes them significant psychological distress. Which of the following actions would resolve this internal conflict by directly changing their behavior to align with their belief?