In this context, further cognitive dissonance theory investigating the nature and characteristics of the CDS will be informative and will help understanding the processes behind cognitive dissonance. The third limitation is that there are few studies using reliable measures of the CDS. As we wrote above, instruments that focus on general feelings or emotions may in fact capture other emotions. As most cognitive dissonance paradigms are likely to induce other emotions, it may be more pertinent to distinctively assess the nature of the psychological discomfort involved in the CDS.

Such cognitions can be about behaviors, perceptions, attitudes, emotions, and beliefs. If the cognitions are relevant, they can be in agreement or disagreement with one another . Mismatches between your beliefs and actions can lead to feelings of discomfort , but such feelings can also sometimes lead to change and growth. To deal with the feelings of discomfort then, they might find some way of rationalizing the conflicting cognition. For instance, they may justify their sedentary behavior by saying that their other healthy behaviors—like eating sensibly and occasionally exercising—make up for their largely sedentary lifestyle.

Characteristics of the Cognitive Dissonance State

To reduce this dissonance, we are motivated to try to think that the task turned out well. Self-Consistency Perspective of Cognitive Dissonance Theory – a variation of Cognitive Dissonance Theory that focuses on the manner in which one must resolve the inconsistency that triggers a mental discomfort. This perspective asserts that specific inconsistency must be resolved. Another example to note is how people mostly consume media that aligns with their political views.

Cognitive dissonance is everywhere, and we all experience some form of cognitive dissonance once in a while. Cognitive dissonance isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it enables us to adjust our opinions and beliefs according to lived experiences. Knowing how to spot the signs of cognitive dissonance can help us deal with the mental discomfort caused by our internal conflicts in a healthier way. Although we all act out of character once in a while or adopt new beliefs and values over time, these don’t necessarily indicate cognitive dissonance. After all, people’s behaviors can be affected by their moods or tastes, and world views can evolve over the years.

Reducing the Importance of the Conflicting Belief

Technological advances are allowing psychologists to study the biomechanics of cognitive dissonance. In the fable of “The Fox and the Grapes”, by Aesop, on failing to reach the desired bunch of grapes, the fox then decides he does not truly want the fruit because it is sour. The fox’s act of rationalization reduced his anxiety over the cognitive dissonance from the desire he cannot realise.

All items loaded accordingly to their index, except for two items of the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ index that did not load strongly on any of the components (important/awed and in control/cared for). As this analysis was not pre-registered, we decided to keep the latter items in the analyses.

The Theory of Cognitive Dissonance

Sometimes you might find yourself engaging in behaviors that are opposed to your own beliefs due to external expectations at work, school, or in a social situation. The American Psychological Association defines cognitive dissonance as “an unpleasant psychological state resulting from inconsistency between two or more elements in a cognitive system.”