Illustrating Cognitive Dissonance

Medium Unit 9: Social Psychology Attitudes And Actions

In social psychology, the concept of cognitive dissonance describes the discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or when behavior contradicts one's beliefs. Leon Festinger, who proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance, suggested that individuals strive for internal consistency. In practical settings, such as smoking behavior, a smoker who is aware of the harmful effects of smoking might experience cognitive dissonance. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of cognitive dissonance?

A student who studies hard for an exam feels confident about the material.

A woman who believes in healthy living continues to exercise regularly.

A person who values environmental conservation frequently uses plastic bags.

An athlete who trains daily feels a sense of accomplishment.

A health-conscious individual chooses to eat a salad instead of a burger.

Hint

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