Cognitive Dissonance, de Kock and Odd Psychological Testimony

Abstract

In the criminal trial of Eugene de Kock, aspects of his murderous rampage were attributed to his purported experience of cognitive dissonance (CD), emotional blunting and posttraumatic stress disorder. This paper will critique the use of CD in this particular case and explore the theoretical underpinnings of CD. A few examples from the court record will be used to illustrate the place of CD in explaining perpetrators' actions.

Some Implications of Apartheid Legacies in South African Correctional Centres

“…This trend mirrors findings by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of South Africa's unenviable history of numerous people in authority who, under the banner of moral right, committed crimes (e.g. Gobodo-Madikizela, 2003;Foster & Nicholas, 2000;Foster et. al., 2005).…”

Psychological sequelae of political imprisonment during apartheid

“…Two psychologists incorrectly drew on cognitive dissonance theory to persuade the court of mitigating circumstances in De Kock's murder trial. When directly questioned by the court, the psychological testimony was evasive, invented dubious distinctions, and was factually incorrect (Foster & Nicholas, 2000). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was also presented as an explanation for De Kock's misdeeds (Nicholas & Coleridge, 2000), as well as other mass murderers (Nicholas, 2000a(Nicholas, , 2000b(Nicholas, , 2001Nicholas & Coleridge, 2000;Robbertze, 2001).…”