10 Best Cognitive Dissonance Counseling Strategies
The theory also highlights its important role in social psychology and behavioral science, emphasizing its significance in psychological research. In this guide, we delve into the theory of cognitive dissonance, its implications in everyday life, and strategies for resolving conflicting cognitions to achieve cognitive consistency. This internal conflict often leads to specific cognitive consequences such as changes in self-perception and stress related to self-image, as cognitive dissonance creates discomfort and doubt. Individuals seek cognitive dissonance reduction through various mechanisms, such as rationalization and neural activation, to alleviate the discomfort and restore mental harmony.
Cognitive Dissonance in Social Psychology
On a big-picture level, we have cognitive dissonance to thank for huge advancements within society. Dr. Noulas says that successes in women’s rights, environmental rights, and gay rights are examples of positive change that have resulted from cognitive dissonance. Those changes were Twelve-step program due to individuals recognizing contradictions between how people viewed women, the environment, and nontraditional relationships and how we acted as a society (or allowed others to act). Sometimes learning new information can lead to feelings of cognitive dissonance. For example, if you engage in a behavior that you later learn is harmful, it can lead to feelings of discomfort.

Cognitive Dissonance: Why Conflicting Thoughts Affect Your Mental Health
Again, an addict’s brain is different from someone who is not addicted to drugs and alcohol. For example, a person who tends to binge drink will justify their behavior by saying it is just a couple drink when in reality it is an excessive amount in a short period of time. Oftentimes, people have an explanation for their behavior and tend to rationalize it to make what they are doing seem more acceptable.
Real-Life Examples of Cognitive Dissonance in Everyday Life
In addition, given the short timeline that we had to complete the rapid review, we did not submit a protocol to Cochrane or to PROSPERO for registration. Support the creation of new tools for the entire mental health community. Mind Health are a team of Psychologists and Allied Health experts providing comprehensive mental health services in Sydney, Australia. Think Jimmy Saville and the millions of pounds he raised for NHS trusts or Jeffrey Epstein and his global philanthropy where he donated millions to hospitals, universities and film festivals. Not only do these smokescreens serve to distract people from the outside looking in from really seeing what’s going on, they also deeply delude the people putting up the smokescreens themselves.
- In this regard, we recommend that future research explore the effects of children’s confrontation of their cognitive dissonance in narratives found to be prevalent in children’s experiences of divorce.
- Have you ever felt a sense of tension in your mind, but you weren’t sure why or what was causing it?
- In this setting, addressing cognitive dissonance becomes a cornerstone of recovery.
- Journaling becomes a powerful tool for self-exploration and untangling the intricacies of cognitive dissonance.
- This scenario often leads to cognitive dissonance as actions contradict personal beliefs, resulting in significant psychological discomfort.
- To deal with the feelings of discomfort then, they might find some way of rationalizing the conflicting cognition.
Cognitive dissonance, a concept developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s, refers to the discomfort we feel when we hold contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes. To reduce this discomfort, we often seek to reconcile the conflicting elements in our minds. For individuals struggling with cognitive dissonance, existential therapy can provide a powerful framework for examining the underlying beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape their lived experience. By cognitive dissonance treatment encouraging clients to confront their fears, anxieties, and paradoxes, this approach can help them find a greater sense of authenticity, purpose, and self-acceptance. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that can be highly effective in addressing cognitive dissonance. DBT focuses on helping individuals develop a greater acceptance of their experiences, as well as the ability to navigate the inherent tensions and contradictions that arise in life.

Powerful Cognitive Learning Theories for Mindset Growth
A gambler might rationalize, “I’m due for a big win any day now,” despite mounting debts and broken promises. When cognitive dissonance and addiction collide, it’s like adding fuel to an already raging fire. The addict’s mind becomes a battleground where logic and desire wage a never-ending war. They might know, on an intellectual level, that their substance use is destroying their relationships, career, and health. Yet, they continue to use, trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior that seems impossible to break. Overcoming addiction is a challenging but rewarding journey, and you don’t have to face it alone.


















