Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT)

Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT) posits that cognitive inconsistencies can lead to a motivational state characterized by emotional distress, which can motivate a person to resolve the discomfort by changing one belief to reduce the perceived conflict.

Leon Festinger presented the theory of Cognitive Dissonance in 1957.

Vadis and Bran criticized CDT (2019). 

One criticism of CDT is the imprecise use of the concept dissonance. Dissonance is in the name of the theory and has referred to the situation that produces or triggers the inconsistency and the resulting experience of conflict. The authors note that much research has focused on attitude and behavior change as regulation strategies to reduce a state of dissonance. See the article for more details. 

For a look at research trends, see Cooper (2019).

Examples of Regulating Dissonance

Distorting self-appraisal of alcohol dependence to view oneself as a social drinker.

Distorting one's miserable close relationship by focusing only on the pleasant moments.

Distorting the quality of a purchase after a difficult decision to favor the one finally selected.

References

Cooper, J. (2019). Cognitive dissonance: Where we’ve been and where we’re going. International Review of Social Psychology, 32(1), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.277

Festinger L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Evanston, IL: Row, Peterson and Company. Reedited in 1962/1985 at Stanford University Press. 

Vaidis, D. C., & Bran, A. (2019). Respectable Challenges to Respectable Theory: Cognitive Dissonance Theory Requires Conceptualization Clarification and Operational Tools. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 1189. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01189

[Cite this post]

Sutton, G. W. (2022, January 26). Cognitive dissonance theory. Psychology Concepts and Theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2022/01/cognitive-dissonance.html

Books - Examples on AMAZON

A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance by Leon Festinger  (1957)

Cognitive Dissonance: Reexamining a Pivotal Theory in Psychology by Eddie Harmon-Jones (2019)

Post Author

Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com You can find Dr. Sutton's books on   AMAZON    and  GOOGLE. Many publications are free to download at ResearchGate   and Academia  

 

Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.