The Cognitive Dissonance Theory

A cognition can be considered as a belief (for example, if you like watching movies then this is a cognition). The cognitive dissonance theory states that if there is a discrepancy – an aversive emotional state – between our beliefs and behaviors, we are likely to experience inconsistency between these two cognitions. For instance, if you smoke, despite knowing that smoking is harmful, then this may result in cognitive dissonance. Furthermore, the college students who put themselves through hazing to join a fraternity could be another example. These students also most likely to experience cognitive dissonance. I noticed (while listening to the lecture and reading the textbook) that cognitive dissonance can have a powerful influence (more powerful