What is Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

This video describes Cognitive Dissonance Theory. Cognitive Dissonance Theory was developed by a researcher named Leon Festinger in the 1950’s. Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone’s beliefs are different from their actions. Cognitive dissonance leads to discomfort and, in theory, to change in beliefs and/or behavior. The Principle of Cognitive Consistency states that individuals are sensitive to cognitive dissonance. The level of cognitive dissonance is based on how strongly beliefs are held. There are a few ways to alleviate cognitive dissonance including changing the behavior, changing the belief, or changing both. In some situations, individuals may be unwilling or unable to change a belief or action, so the cognitive dissonance remains along with the corresponding discomfort, tension, or anxiety. Cognitive dissonance is a common phenomenon observed in therapeutic settings.

[josiah]

My entire corporate career was an exercise in cognitive dissonance. After watching this, I now understand that I tried to balance it by continually adjusting both my beliefs and actions. Very stressful. I changed employers a lot.

[flywheelshyster]

I was just searching for a good definition and i guess the algorithm showed me the good doc because i watch his true crime stuff.

[virginiamurrey]

I enjoy the examples given with each explanation, they are extremely helpful in breaking down the concepts to a level of understanding that is appreciated.

[adriansmidt]

Also people driven by a sexual, financial, any reward may view that reward as worth it over changing their behavior to fall in line with how they feel about their actions. The discomfort is worth it to gain the ill gotten reward of their behavior. We can see this in addictions. The reward (getting high, taking away withdrawal) is stronger then the tension they feel

[thetonymasters]

This is the best ELI5 video I could find on this topic.

Thank you.

[jeremy]

Man you nailed that. It is very clear now. Thanks for your service.

[MatthewAshworth]

I am wondering if overcompensation is another form of dealing with cognitive dissonance because I see it happen too. Like for example someone who does something wrong but then they do something good for the person they wronged too. So they still continue to hold the belief that what they're doing is wrong and still keep doing the wrong action, but they justify it through the overcompensating action to give themselves an excuse.

[ciaracarter]

Cognitive dissonance theory reminds me of someone who is a hypocrite. They believe and teach you one thing but they behave differently. That example of the person being unfaithful and changing their belief is crazy

[wandamixon]

I can see how strength and duration are the significant factors in the motivation for change with cognitive dissonance..

[NighthawkMS]

Cognitive dissonance kind of reminds me of the Freudian theory of reaction formation. Both deal with opposing beliefs and actions that a person holds and performs.

[SH-msnt]

Can you revisit this topic in light of what the science tells us about the credibility of cognitive dissonance in particular regard to alcoholism (it seems apropos in 2020)

[janetstahle]

I would be interested in how belief systems are manipulated for purposes of propaganda and how cognative dissonance is "resolved" so that the desired behaviour of the masses is achieved. Straight out denial of a belief seems less likely to be affective. Thank you.

[shannonmayer]

Changing the belief can be difference may be a bit different than someone changing their perception of the belief. In the latter, rather than changing the entire belief, they may use justification, accept nuances, or say nothing is black and white, or that there perhaps is a time for everything, along with many other thoughts they may have. This allows them to not completely abandon their original belief. Side Note, not all of those arguments are untrue, there are different circumstances for things and nothing is black and white. Some people may use those arguments to excuse bad behavior, but others can also use them to grow as a human or become more empathetic and tolerant.

[johnharrisjr]

I liked the examples that were used in each explanation

[FrankensteinintoFranken-FINE.]

Most people who dont understand what the government are doing to them now are going through this.

[andonedave]

Is it still cognitive dissonance if a person doesn’t feel tension in holding inconsistent/ contradictory views?

[davewave]

I have studied the people who control the world for 16 years and have seen cognitive dissonance on a regular basis. I showed a picture to someone and asked them questions about the picture. They answered every question the same way I did, which was the opposite of what a major official story claimed. I then told them which official story the picture was from, and their face looked like they had bit into a sour lemon. They then yelled conspiracy BS and left hastily.

It is easier to fool the people, than to convince them they have already been fooled. - Mark Twain

Men occasionally stumble across the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off, like nothing had happened. - Winston Churchill

[donnaroman]

What is your opinion with a person who has become attached to an abuser but cant leave?
They were love bombed. They fell in love. They are devalued. So then they see the other person is really a shmuck. Bit they go back and forth with I love him. I hate him. All messed up in the head.
This is mentioned again and again in narcissism videos.
Please address this because my counselor does not understand me. She goes based on action/belief only...and not o am desperate to get away from someone I am learning is an abuser and does not love me at all.

[wardellwhittaker]

Dr. Grande, do you think shame is a big motivator to change either the belief or action or both?

[weatherphobia]

Isn't a synonym for this SOMETIMES just a Hypocrite ??