Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or psychological stress experienced by a person when they hold two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or ideas. This internal conflict can arise when a person’s beliefs or attitudes are inconsistent with their behavior, or when new information challenges their existing beliefs.
The discomfort caused by cognitive dissonance can lead people to seek ways to reduce or resolve the conflict. They may change their beliefs, behavior, or attitudes, or they may seek out new information to reconcile their conflicting thoughts.
Cognitive dissonance can have a significant impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It can cause feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety and can lead to changes in behavior or attitudes. At the same time, cognitive dissonance can also be a motivating factor, driving people to seek out new information or to make changes to their beliefs or behavior.
Cognitive dissonance has been studied extensively in psychology, and it is often used to explain a wide range of human behaviors, including the ways in which people make decisions, justify their actions, and respond to social pressure.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023