What Wikipedia Can’t Tell You About Cognitive Dissonance.
Powerful actions to help you choose right over wrong.
“We’re taught to be ashamed of confusion, anger, fear and sadness, and to me they’re of equal value to happiness excitement and inspiration” — Alanis Morrissette
You know it’s wrong, you know you’ll regret it, but you do it anyway! The following day, you’re filled with post-decision regret. You justify your actions by attributing blame to your spouse or friend for making you behave erratically; work is unbearable; or perhaps it’s the government.
You’ve resorted to easing the tension and guilt by choosing a thought that aligns with your questionable actions so that you don’t have to suffer any longer with that niggling feeling of uneasiness.
We’ve all done it. It’s in our psychological makeup. We are simply not comfortable being wrong and Wikipedia is no help at all. Whilst conflicting feelings are frustrating, we can certainly use their cues to better understand our inner psychological mechanisms.
Cognitive Dissonance is a familiar term, yet it’s meaning, and consequences are worth investigation. When we take the time to unfurl the nuances and theories surrounding its inception, we improve our communication, relationships and confidence in decision making.
We can choose to be educated around how we, and others, relate to an everchanging and fast paced environment. We are surrounded by contradiction, and without a solid understanding of what is fuelling our behaviours and emotions, we can be left feeling rudderless and unable to make effective decisions.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory was developed by Leon Festinger (1957, 1962) who postulated that it was a “path to attitude change” involving cognitive elements (objects of thought), that are inconsistent with each other.
It is not a popular theory in current philosophy, but it was a catalyst that led into further analysis and query.
Reducing an uncomfortable state is essentially depicted as a ‘drive reduction theory’ (Hull, 1943,1952). All humans are implicitly motivated by actions or behaviours that reward. Although many psychologists have moved on from Hull’s theory, clarity can be achieved by understanding that humans deprived of basic and primary needs exhibit behaviours that are driven by unpleasant states of tension.
The fundamental goal in this motivational theory is unity of thought and behaviour, instead of disparity.
In our modern, technology driven world, it is easy to see how the sustenance of our most primitive desires still drives our behaviour and influences our immediate environments. Cognitive Dissonance on a grand scale is evident in the chaos, division, and lack of accountability we are witnessing today.
“Dissonance theory suggests that if individuals act in ways that contradict their beliefs, then they typically will change their beliefs to align with their actions (or vice-a-versa)” John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
For example, if a person believes that sugar is harmful (object 1) and refrains from sugary products (object 2) then there is no evidence of dissonance. If he/she believes sugar is harmful, yet still ingests the offending product, the discrepancy will lead to psychological tension (Festinger, 1957).
“History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion” — Gerald R. Ford
A person living in emotional turmoil with an abusive partner has two choices to reduce the psychological pain of dissonance. They can choose to leave, or they can remain in a volatile situation and justify the relationship; convincing themselves that children need their parents, or the abuser is tired, overworked or stressed.
Unconscious and hidden motivations in times of stress and anxiety can resurface and subsequently, cause feelings of helplessness and indecision resulting from a discrepancy between an attitude and a new piece of information (Festinger, 1957). These two conflicting elements can result in people justifying an erroneous perspective in order to eliminate anxiety.
Once this concept of discord is understood, we can appreciate why people behave in ways we cannot even conceive of. Each person has their own set of coping skills and it is not our prerogative to judge or condemn the world view of others.
A vast majority of individuals will conform, rather than question. They are searching for an emotional equilibrium where they are relieved from uncertainty, guilt, and feelings of frustration.
Addiction is a great example of how we coax ourselves into a state of numbness; the disposition of temporary mental anaesthesia where contradictory beliefs appear rational.
In order to embark on a friendly journey with Cognitive Dissonance, I’ve listed a couple ‘Dissonance Deflectors’ to assist with decisions and false justification:
If it feels sketchy, reflect!
Ask yourself why the decision doesn’t feel right. Trust your intuition.
If it’s a huge decision, seek help!
Better to be equipped. Knowledge is power. The more we know the more we can adapt and change to suit our personality and surroundings.
Stay open minded.
The phrase ‘well that’s just the way I am’ is often a clue that we are closing our mind to other opportunities and to learning a new perspective that could improve and enhance our life.
Stop the perfectionism.
It’s a sure way to stay in a conflicted state of mind. Practice being OK with mistakes — yours and others. Lighten up and laugh!
Be self-aware.
Practice mindfulness and soothing exercises that ground and calm. Any major life decision should be made from a position of personal power and positivity.
Assess your personality.
Take a quiz or do some introspection. When you know more about what is essential to your well-being, it’s easier to make decisions that feel empowering. There’s a mountain of information our there for those seeking to improve emotional behaviour.
If that seems too much effort, hire a coach or get advice from a mentor. Somebody who will hold you accountable, alleviate procrastination and get your brain firing up new neural pathways.
Dissonance is your friend. It is here as a signpost to help you reach a state of equilibrium.
Cognitive Dissonance theory is but one explanation on what motivates people to change. You will find a lot of variables around theories of motivation. However, it provides a framework to consider. Feeling uneasy and using self-justification for unsavoury behaviour is a beacon; it is an indication that something is not right. It can be used as a proactive prompt; a reminder that a behaviour is incongruent with thought; that it is time for self-reflection and a new strategy.
It is your choice to embrace uncertainty or stay in the same situation that produces the same results, day in, day out.
Google doesn’t have the answers, you do!
