Understanding Cognitive Dissonance What It Is and Why It Occurs
- Kerry Hampton
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological experience that almost everyone faces at some point in their lives. You might not always recognize it, but this concept, introduced by the psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957, highlights that uncomfortable feeling we have when our beliefs clash with our actions. Understanding cognitive dissonance can greatly impact our decision-making and behaviour. Let's explore this phenomenon in detail.
What is Cognitive Dissonance?
Cognitive dissonance happens when there is a mismatch between what we believe and how we act. For instance, imagine you believe that smoking is bad for your health, but you smoke anyway. In relationships, dissonance might show up when you stay with someone who hurts you because you believe “love” justifies the pain. (I’m Not Happy… But I Love Them)
This difference creates discomfort, leading to cognitive dissonance. This feeling often pushes people to either alter their beliefs or change their behaviours in order to feel more at peace.
Cognitive dissonance can appear in various forms. For example, some individuals may avoid information that contradicts their beliefs, a behaviour known as selective exposure. Others might rationalize their actions despite knowing they are wrong, a process aimed at easing mental discomfort.
Purpose of cognitive dissonance:
Alerts us to internal conflicts, motivating self‐examination.
Drives behaviour or belief change to restore psychological consistency.
Can foster personal growth when we align actions with core values or maintain self‐image by rationalizing discrepancies.
There are several reasons why cognitive dissonance happens. Understanding these can provide deeper insights into our behaviour and decision-making.
1. Conflict Between Beliefs and Actions
The most common reason for cognitive dissonance is when our actions contradict our beliefs. For example, a person might believe in healthy eating but regularly consume fast food. This internal conflict creates discomfort, pushing individuals to either change their behaviour or alter their beliefs.
2. The Need for Consistency
People generally seek consistency in their thoughts and actions. This need for harmony is a key part of how we function. When we face contradictions, we feel unease, which we inherently want to eliminate. Our minds work to achieve a state of coherence, making cognitive dissonance a significant factor in our lives.
3. External Influences and Social Pressure
Social situations often contribute to cognitive dissonance. For example, you might feel pressure to act in ways that align more with your friends or social norms, even if those actions contradict your personal beliefs. This conflict can lead to feelings of dissonance as you choose between being yourself and complying with others.
4. Post-Decision Dissonance
After we make a choice, we may feel regret or doubt about whether we made the right decision. This situation, called post-decisional dissonance, often leads people to emphasize the positives of their selected option while minimizing the perceived benefits of alternatives. For instance, someone might justify a car purchase by focusing on its advantages while ignoring its fuel efficiency.
Real-Life Examples of Cognitive Dissonance
Real-world examples can illuminate how cognitive dissonance occurs in daily life.
Example 1: Health Choices
Imagine someone who wants to lose weight but frequently indulges in sugary snacks. They know that a healthy diet is essential for achieving their goal. To ease their discomfort, they may tell themselves, “One treat won’t hurt” or “I'll just exercise longer to burn it off.” This rationalization helps them cope with the dissonance between their belief and actions.
Example 2: Environmental Concerns
Consider a person deeply concerned about climate change who drives a large SUV. The conflict arises from their environmental values clashing with their driving choice. To manage this dissonance, they might downplay the environmental consequences of their vehicle or highlight other eco-friendly choices they make, like composting.
Example 3: Smoking and Health
A smoker who understands the risks associated with smoking experiences cognitive dissonance. In an effort to reduce discomfort, they might dismiss studies on the dangers of smoking or claim they would quit “when the time is right,” even if they know it’s harmful.
Why We Should Resolve Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that arises when our beliefs, values, or actions conflict. Resolving this tension isn’t just about quieting an uneasy mind, it matters for our well‐being, integrity, and growth.
1. Reduce Psychological Stress
Unresolved dissonance generates ongoing anxiety, guilt, or shame as we juggle conflicting thoughts. By addressing the inconsistency, whether through changing behaviour or beliefs, we alleviate that chronic inner turmoil and protect our mental health.
2. Strengthen Authenticity and Self‐Esteem
When our actions align with our core values, we feel integrity and confidence. Resolving dissonance helps us act in ways that reflect who we truly are, boosting self‐trust and reducing self‐criticism.
3. Improve Decision‐Making and Growth
Dissonance flags areas where our behaviour clashes with our goals or morals. Listening to that signal prompts self‐examination and informed choices, driving personal growth, better habits, and wiser life decisions.
4. Prevent Destructive Rationalizations
Left unchecked, dissonance can lead us to justify harmful actions or ignore inconvenient truths. Actively resolving it ensures we don’t slip into excuses that undermine our values or relationships.
5. Foster Consistent Relationships and Trust
People trust those whose words and actions match. By eliminating contradictions in our behaviour, we build credibility, deepen connections, and avoid confusing or alienating others.
Resolving cognitive dissonance isn’t about eliminating all conflict, it’s about honouring the discomfort as a nudge toward greater honesty with ourselves and the world.
How to Resolve Cognitive Dissonance
Addressing cognitive dissonance can happen through various strategies that help restore mental balance.
1. Change Actions
One direct way to resolve dissonance is to align actions with beliefs. For example, smokers could quit smoking, health enthusiasts could choose healthier snacks, and environmentally-conscious individuals might explore electric vehicles.
2. Change Beliefs
Sometimes, people adjust their beliefs to match their actions. For instance, rather than quitting smoking, an individual might downplay its risks, convincing themselves that they can control the health impacts with other positive habits.
3. Add Justifying Information
Individuals may actively seek information that backs their behaviours, helping to rationalize them. For instance, a smoker might look for research that suggests some adults can smoke socially without serious health issues, reducing feelings of dissonance.
Key Takeaways
Cognitive dissonance is a common experience that reveals the complexities of human thought and behaviour. It arises from conflicts between what we believe and how we act, driven by our deep need for consistency.
By understanding cognitive dissonance and its causes, we can better navigate our choices and find constructive ways to resolve these conflicts.
Recognizing cognitive dissonance in ourselves can lead to personal growth. It encourages us to address inconsistencies in our lives, helping us align our actions with our beliefs and improving our decision-making in the long run.
References
Festinger’s theory shows that dissonance “leads to motivation to reduce the inconsistency” through belief or behaviour change.
Aligning actions with beliefs “allows you to grow in control of yourself and help you build trust in yourself and your decision‐making”.
Addressing dissonance prevents “self‐justifying thought patterns” that maintain harmful habits.
https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-dissonance-theory/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012
Disclaimer
Please note:
As a counselling professional, I offer the reflections and perspectives in this blog to encourage emotional insight, personal growth, and compassionate exploration.
However, please note that the content is intended for general information and self-reflection only, it does not constitute or replace formal psychological assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing mental health concerns, distress, or significant emotional difficulty, I strongly encourage you to seek support from a licensed mental health practitioner or qualified healthcare provider who can offer personalised and evidence-based care.
The insights shared here draw from trauma-informed practice and professional experience, but they are not a substitute for professional judgment. Every healing journey is unique, and any tools or concepts offered should be considered thoughtfully and in collaboration with trusted professionals.
This blog does not recommend altering or discontinuing prescribed medications or treatment plans. All decisions regarding your health and care should be made in partnership with qualified practitioners who know your personal history and needs.
Above all, my intention is to honour your process, offer meaningful language for your inner world, and provide a space for reflection, not prescription.
