Cognitive Dissonance Theory Essay
Cognitive Dissonance Theory was proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger to reason as to why humans change their behavior. According to Festinger, an individual has their beliefs (their perception of something) and these beliefs need to mirror their actions/behaviors in order for them to be at an equilibrium. If these two things are not aligned then this creates cognitive dissonance. It was proposed that, because humans do not like to be out of alignment, they will be motivated to either change their behavior or change their perception based on how much discrepancy, or cognitive dissonance, there is. The effect of cognitive dissonance to the individual is “mental discomfort” (Festinger, 1985).
Domestic violence victims are unlikely to be healthy. …show more content…
Most research is focused on the effects on children after being abused or witnessing domestic violence within the household. The mental health effects are often caused by the cognitive dissonance of the victim. Their abuser creates cognitive dissonance within the victim by indulging their partner in the honeymoon period followed by a period of mental/verbal/emotional/physical abuse. This continues as the cycle of abuse repeats. The victim becomes confused about reality thus creating cognitive dissonance. Because humans do not like living with cognitive dissonance, the theory would make the assumption that the victim would want to change the relationship. This could mean several options including the victim leaving the relationship, getting the abuser help, joining couples counseling, or the victim changing his or her beliefs about reality to endure the abuse. The cognitive dissonance theory is a good theory to apply when the individual/victim is at the point of wanting to make a decision about changing their behavior and then working on continuing the new behavior (Doak, Doak, & Root, 1996). This theory is not a tool for change but more of an explanation as to why an individual would choose to change their behavior. Ultimately they would be making the decision for change and then the support will be there to continue that changed behavior. Within the Cognitive Dissonance Theory, there is
Domestic violence victims are unlikely to be healthy. …show more content…
Most research is focused on the effects on children after being abused or witnessing domestic violence within the household. The mental health effects are often caused by the cognitive dissonance of the victim. Their abuser creates cognitive dissonance within the victim by indulging their partner in the honeymoon period followed by a period of mental/verbal/emotional/physical abuse. This continues as the cycle of abuse repeats. The victim becomes confused about reality thus creating cognitive dissonance. Because humans do not like living with cognitive dissonance, the theory would make the assumption that the victim would want to change the relationship. This could mean several options including the victim leaving the relationship, getting the abuser help, joining couples counseling, or the victim changing his or her beliefs about reality to endure the abuse. The cognitive dissonance theory is a good theory to apply when the individual/victim is at the point of wanting to make a decision about changing their behavior and then working on continuing the new behavior (Doak, Doak, & Root, 1996). This theory is not a tool for change but more of an explanation as to why an individual would choose to change their behavior. Ultimately they would be making the decision for change and then the support will be there to continue that changed behavior. Within the Cognitive Dissonance Theory, there is