Question
Give a brief definition and example of cognitive dissonance.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that refers to the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas simultaneously, or when their behavior conflicts with their beliefs. This discomfort often leads people to change their attitudes or beliefs to reduce the inconsistency and restore mental harmony.
**Example:** A person who smokes cigarettes knows that smoking is harmful to their health (belief), but continues to smoke (behavior). To alleviate the dissonance, they might convince themselves that the risks are exaggerated or rationalize their habit by saying that it helps them manage stress.
**Example:** A person who smokes cigarettes knows that smoking is harmful to their health (belief), but continues to smoke (behavior). To alleviate the dissonance, they might convince themselves that the risks are exaggerated or rationalize their habit by saying that it helps them manage stress.