The theory behind this approach is that in order to resolve the dissonance, a person’s implicit beliefs about their body and thinness will change, reducing their desire to limit their food intake. For example, a small 2019 study notes that dissonance-based interventions may be helpful for people with eating disorders. This approach works by encouraging people to say things or role-play behaviors that contradict their beliefs about food and body image. However, cognitive dissonance can also be a tool for personal and social change. Drawing a person’s attention to the dissonance between their behavior and their values may increase their awareness of the inconsistency and empower them to act.
Common Symptoms:
In this blog post, we will explore what cognitive https://glos-detailing.co.uk/2023/12/15/prevalence-and-correlates-of-alcohol-induced/ dissonance is and provide practical strategies to help you manage and reduce dissonance effectively. A 2022 study by the Black Dog Institute found that 1 in 5 Australians experience stress linked to conflicting life priorities. Changing the conflicting cognition is one of the most effective ways of dealing with dissonance but it is also one of the most difficult—particularly in the case of deeply held values and beliefs, such as religious or political leanings. A person who cares about their health might be disturbed to learn that sitting for long periods during the day is linked to a shortened lifespan.
- His primary strengths include clinical insight into substance abuse/mental health, hard work ethic, and ability to work well under pressure.
- Our integrative approach combines CBT therapy, ACT therapy, schema therapy, EMDR, and somatic therapy to help you rebuild self-trust, process trauma, and break free from harmful dynamics.
- Festinger, a social psychologist, observed a doomsday cult whose members believed the world would end on a specific date.
- Journaling serves as a valuable tool to document and analyze these situations, aiding in the identification of conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
- Given that most research on dissonance has been performed on university students, a lifespan perspective might be a very important issue to consider.
The theory behind cognitive dissonance
- Taking the time to explore the pros and cons before making a decision can help you feel more comfortable with your choices and minimize some of the cognitive dissonance you may experience.
- Sheppes (2014) argues that emotional intensity, motivational goals (cf. Kelman and Baron, 1968), and cognitive capacity (cf. Kaplan and Crockett, 1968) will influence the decision.
- For example, let’s say you believe that you need to be perfect to be loved, but you also know that perfection is impossible.
- It can also help you practice self-compassion, relax, and accept dissonance through mindfulness.
Understanding what caused the dissonance can help you figure out the best way to address it. In one study, researchers asked participants to give speeches that would Oxford House encourage the audience to take a certain positive action. Since addiction creates a chemical dependency on a substance — whether it’s nicotine or sugar — this kind of dissonance can be hard to shake. When we say “yes” to a choice, whether it’s as small as what to order for lunch or as big as where to live, we have to say “no” to something else.
How can cognitive dissonance be reduced?
Take a moment to question whether these beliefs are the VIPs aligning with your core values or if they’ve overstayed cognitive dissonance and addiction their welcome and need a rethink. It’s saying, “Hey, I see you there, doing your thing in my brain.” And here’s the kicker — realizing that having conflicting thoughts doesn’t make you any less intelligent or compromise your integrity. Just because there’s a bit of chaos doesn’t mean you’re not a stellar person. Self-serving attributions are another tool our hidden brain uses to maintain cognitive consistency.
