Training in assertiveness involves two steps, a minimal effective response and escalation. When the minimal effective response (such as informing friends that “I do not drink”) is not sufficient to bring about change, the individual is instructed to escalate to a stronger response, such as warning, threat, involving others’ support. Role play, behavioural rehearsal and modeling are used to train patients in assertiveness. Patient is instructed not to provide explanations for abstinence so as to avoid counter arguments.
- Festinger argued that cognitive dissonance is more intense when a person holds many dissonant views and those views are important to them.
- A person who feels defensive or unhappy might consider the role cognitive dissonance might play in these feelings.
- A smoker, for example, who knows that smoking causes cancer, experiences cognitive dissonance if she continues to smoke.
- Changing the conflicting cognition is one of the most effective ways of dealing with dissonance but it is also one of the most difficult—particularly in the case of deeply held values and beliefs, such as religious or political leanings.
1. Measurement Model Assessment
For example, someone might get so tired of feeling cognitive dissonance every time they smoke that they seek help. They might join a support group, read books on addiction, and get rid of their cigarettes. To ease the psychological pain of rejecting one choice (FOMO, anyone?) we often start justifying our decision. When we do this by thinking up positives for our choice and negatives for the other option, it’s called the “spreading of alternatives.” Your brain feels better when you can align your behavior with your values.
Harm Reduction an Alternative to Incoherent Opioid Addiction Policies – Reason
Harm Reduction an Alternative to Incoherent Opioid Addiction Policies.
Posted: Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]
How to reduce cognitive dissonance
- These variables are essential in developing distress tolerance and reducing impulsivity, which are important variables in relapse process.
- Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.
- That is, now the negatives (including guilt and shame) dominate the decision, and the lapsed smoker wonders how such a mistake was made.
- Furthermore, cognitive dissonance causes individuals to avoid situations or people that may challenge their beliefs or create dissonance.
- Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort you feel when you have two contradictory beliefs or values.
- The concept of cognitive dissonance has been widely studied in the field of psychology for several decades [95].
Self-efficacy has a moderating effect on the relationship between information overload and cognitive dissonance among users of the pan-entertainment mobile live broadcast platform. Mindfulness based interventions or third wave therapies have shown promise in addressing specific aspects of addictive behaviours such as craving, negative cognitive dissonance and addiction affect, impulsivity, distress tolerance. These interventions integrate both cognitive behavioural and mindfulness based strategies. Cultural adaptation of therapeutic programmes developed in western are important. The greatest strength of cognitive behavioural programmes is that they are individualized, and have a wide applicability.
- Furthermore, the desire for belonging and companionship can lead people to seek out partners who provide comfort from loneliness.
- This reward was intended to thank the participants for their time and effort in completing the survey and to encourage them to answer each question truthfully and to the best of their ability.
- In CBT for addictive behaviours cognitive strategies are supported by several behavioural strategies such as coping skills.
- They may resist information or treatment that challenges their beliefs or habits, perpetuating a cycle of continued addiction.
How can cognitive dissonance be reduced?
Their research helps us understand the connections between our thinking, our behavior, and our emotions. In addition to trying to answer questions like these, psychological research can also to help behavioral health professionals develop more effective treatments for mental illness and emotional distress. Cognitive dissonance is the tension that arises when there is a conflict between a belief and a desire or behavior. It occurs when individuals hold opposing beliefs and experience psychological stress as a result. By implementing these strategies, individuals in recovery can effectively manage cognitive dissonance and move towards a more harmonious and fulfilling life in sobriety. If you or someone you know is facing the psychological struggle of addictive behaviors, it is crucial to seek help and support.
Overall, the reliability and validity analysis results for this study are presented in Table 2. Alternatively, they may reduce cognitive dissonance by being mindful of their values and pursuing opportunities to live those values. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person’s behavior and beliefs do not complement each other or when they hold two contradictory beliefs. It causes a feeling of discomfort that can motivate people to try to feel better.