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Rationalization is irrational and self-serving, but useful.

Jake Quilty-Dunn1

  • 1Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX2 6GG; Department of Philosophy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO63105. quiltydunn@gmail.comsites.google.com/site/jakequiltydunn/.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|April 16, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Cognitive dissonance reduction protects self-concept, not representational exchange. This psychological process maintains motivation by defending against self-threatening information.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Cognitive dissonance theory traditionally explains attitude change.
  • Previous models focused on representational exchange as a primary function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the functional role of cognitive dissonance reduction.
  • To propose an alternative function of dissonance reduction beyond representational exchange.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of existing psychological literature.
  • Integration of theories on self-protection and motivation.

Main Results:

  • Rationalization via cognitive dissonance reduction serves self-concept protection.
  • It functions as a psychological immune system against threats to self-worth.

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  • Irrational attitude changes are key to maintaining motivation.

    • Conclusions:

    • Cognitive dissonance reduction's primary role is self-concept preservation.
    • This process is crucial for psychological stability and continued motivation.
    • It reframes dissonance reduction as a protective, not purely cognitive, mechanism.