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To reduce cognitive dissonance, an individual can alter their conflicting thoughts or beliefs, often through rationalization or denial, to justify their behavior. For instance, a smoker might downplay the health risks by convincing themselves that smoking filtered cigarettes significantly reduces the danger.

Changing Cognitions to Reduce Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is aroused when a person holds inconsistent beliefs and behaviors. A classic example is an individual who holds the belief that smoking is bad for their health, but continues the behavior of smoking. This inconsistency causes cognitive dissonance. To reduce this dissonance, the individual can either change their behavior, such as by quitting smoking, or change their belief, such as by discounting the evidence that smoking is harmful and concluding that the research is inconclusive.

Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Smoking

A military enlistee who voluntarily joins but then faces extreme hardships during boot camp provides a classic example of cognitive dissonance. The conflict between their voluntary commitment and the miserable reality creates intense psychological discomfort. Since leaving is not a legal option, the enlistee cannot resolve the dissonance by changing their behavior. Instead, to alleviate the discomfort, they can alter their beliefs and attitudes. For instance, the enlistee might reframe the experience by telling themselves, 'I am becoming stronger and healthier,' 'I am learning discipline,' or 'What I am doing is important for my country.' By adopting these new cognitions, they can perceive the challenges as valuable, thereby reducing dissonance and feeling better about their situation.

Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Military Boot Camp

Maria and Marco choose to live in the affluent and expensive Fairfield County, Connecticut, despite the significant financial hardship it causes them. The conflict between their financial struggles (renting a small house for over \$3,000/month and having no money for new things) and their choice to remain in a high-cost area creates cognitive dissonance. They reduce this psychological discomfort by adding new cognitions that justify their decision, such as focusing on the area's beauty, their love for the beaches, and their sense of comfort. These beliefs rationalize their financially challenging choice, making it seem worthwhile.

Example of Cognitive Dissonance: Justifying High Living Costs

An individual is a vocal supporter of environmental conservation and believes people should minimize their carbon footprint. Despite this, they purchase a large, fuel-inefficient vehicle, which creates significant psychological discomfort. Which of the following statements represents a change in thought designed to reduce this discomfort?

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