Changing Cognitions to Reduce Dissonance
To reduce cognitive dissonance, an individual can alter their conflicting thoughts or beliefs, often through rationalization or denial, to justify their behavior. For instance, a smoker might downplay the health risks by convincing themselves that smoking filtered cigarettes significantly reduces the danger.
0
1
Tags
Ch.12 Social Psychology - Psychology @ OpenStax
Psychology @ OpenStax
Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course
OpenStax
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
Psychology
Social Science
Empirical Science
Science
Related
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?
Learn After
Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Smoking
Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Military Boot Camp
Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Justifying High Living Costs
An individual is a vocal supporter of environmental conservation and believes people should minimize their carbon footprint. Despite this, they purchase a large, fuel-inefficient vehicle, which creates significant psychological discomfort. Which of the following statements represents a change in thought designed to reduce this discomfort?