Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that describes the mental discomfort that arises when a person’s beliefs or attitudes conflict with their actions or with new information they encounter. It refers to the tension or discomfort that is felt when two cognitions (thoughts, beliefs, values, etc.) are inconsistent with each other.

When people experience cognitive dissonance, they may feel anxious, guilty, or conflicted. In order to reduce this discomfort, they may try to rationalize or justify their behavior, change their beliefs or attitudes, or avoid information or situations that create the conflict. However, if the dissonance persists, it can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a variety of situations, such as when a person holds two conflicting beliefs, when a person’s behavior conflicts with their beliefs or values, or when a person receives new information that challenges their beliefs or attitudes. It is an important concept in the field of psychology and is often used to explain how people make decisions, form opinions, and justify their behavior.

Here are some additional examples of cognitive dissonances:

1. Attitude-behavior inconsistency: When a person’s attitude toward a behavior is inconsistent with their behavior, such as believing that exercise is important but not engaging in regular physical activity.
2. Self-perception: When a person’s perception of themselves conflicts with their behavior, such as believing they are honest but engaging in dishonest behavior.
3. Selective exposure: When a person seeks out information that confirms their existing beliefs and avoids information that contradicts their beliefs.
4. Choice justification: When a person justifies their choices or decisions, even if they go against their beliefs or values.
5. Effort justification: When a person overvalues something they have worked hard to achieve, even if it is not actually that important or valuable.
6. Belief disconfirmation: When a person’s beliefs are challenged by new information, causing discomfort or tension.
7. Inconsistency between beliefs: When a person’s beliefs conflict with each other, causing discomfort or tension.
8. Social pressure: When a person’s beliefs or behaviors are influenced by the expectations or opinions of others, even if it conflicts with their own beliefs or values.
9. Rationalization: When a person justifies their actions or beliefs with logical or rational arguments, even if they are not actually logical or rational.
10. Attitude change: When a person’s attitudes or beliefs change in response to new information or experiences, causing discomfort or tension.

Cognitive dissonance – (Part. 1 and 2) – Human: www.fedmartraining.com