When there is a discrepancy between what we believe and what we do, it creates a state of psychological tension. Because this tension is unpleasant, we are driven to reduce it.
The Three Ways We Reduce Dissonance:
Change the Behavior: (e.g., "I will stop smoking because it causes cancer.")
Change the Belief: (e.g., "The research on smoking and cancer isn't actually conclusive.")
Justify the Behavior: (e.g., "I eat healthy and exercise, so smoking a little bit won't hurt me.")
The Formula for Dissonance: The amount of dissonance is determined by the importance of the beliefs and the "dissonance ratio" (the number of discordant elements vs. consonant ones).
Cognitive Dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time. It also occurs when a person's behavior clashes with their beliefs.
Researcher Note:
The "Locus of Control" Link: People with a strong Internal Locus of Control often feel higher dissonance because they take full responsibility for the clash between their values and actions. Those with an External Locus might blame "the system," which lowers the dissonance but also lowers their agency.
The "Locus of Control" Link: People with a strong Internal Locus of Control often feel higher dissonance because they take full responsibility for the clash between their values and actions. Those with an External Locus might blame "the system," which lowers the dissonance but also lowers their agency.