Internalization of Multiple Perspectives or Dissonance Reduction?

Abstract

In numerous research programs based on the concept of cognitive dissonance, participants play a role that is ostensibly in conflict with their preexisting values. A strict reading of dissonance theory (Festinger, 1957)

Investigating processes of internalisation of values through theatre for development

“…To complicate the topic more, some scholars believe that dissonance reduction does not always occur, and that certain dissonant cognitions, particularly when the pre-existing cognition is especially resistant to change, can coexist; cognitions that are deeply ingrained, that are part of a larger web of cognitions, or which would be embarrassing or painful to move away from publicly, are more likely to remain (Wicklund & Brehm, 2004). These are the most important expansions in the context of the present study; for a full review, see Harmon-Jones and Mills (1999) and Cooper (2012).…”

“…Methods of recognising when internalisation has or may have occurred have also been highlighted, including absolute ownership of a belief, a sense that the belief is long-standing, and undue emphasis on the positive qualities of the belief, following a period of cognitive dissonance and the choice of attitude change as the method of dissonance reduction (Wicklund & Brehm, 2004).…”

“…Following from Devine et al (1999), flattened affect and discomfort was observed in many of the performers throughout the workshop, indicating that cognitive dissonance had been induced. When the women were asked how they felt playing the role of a subservient, humble housewife who had no voice and little power beyond her role as a first wife, many of them made statements such as "it feels bad" and "I feel sad" (Respondent H, personal (Wicklund & Brehm, 2004). Cognitive dissonance does not necessarily equate to attitude change; the latter is simply one possible outcome of the former.…”

“…However, it is unlikely, given the social environment and culture of stringent gender roles, ethnic tension, and corruption, that they have always truly held such ideals. Wicklund and Brehm (2004) argued that as attitudes are internalised, the participant will "project ownership [of the idea] backward in time, coming to believe that the ownership is a long-term affair" (p. 357). Furthermore, a number of the artists indicated, when asked to think about when and where their morals and ideals developed, that they experienced a shift toward more liberal thinking when they joined their respective theatre groups and began acting.…”

Outcome-based dissonance and Morton's Fork: Evaluative consequences of unfavorable alternatives in the 2016 U.S. presidential election

“…When an individual has a choice between two unfavorable alternatives, knowing that even the “right” or “best” choice will lead to an unfavorable outcome is a likely source of additional dissonance. It should produce dissonance to hold the cognitions “ I do not feel favorably towards Candidate A ” and “ I want Candidate A to win the election and be our next President .” One of these cognitions could change to achieve consonance, but not all cognitive elements are equally malleable (Festinger, ; Wicklund & Brehm, ). In this case, changing one's preference would not reduce dissonance because the alternative is even less favorable (i.e., would increase dissonance even more).…”