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Cognitive dissonance processes serve an action-oriented adaptive function.

Eddie Harmon-Jones1, Cindy Harmon-Jones1

  • 1School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052Australia. eddiehj@gmail.comcindyharmonjones@gmail.comwww.socialemotiveneuroscience.org.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The action-based model of cognitive dissonance suggests rationalization protects strongly held beliefs, unlike Cushman's model which focuses on cognitive construction. This highlights a motivated defense mechanism in cognitive dissonance.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Cognitive dissonance theory explains discomfort from conflicting beliefs.
  • Rationalization is a key mechanism in resolving cognitive dissonance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate the adaptive function of rationalization in the action-based model versus Cushman's model.
  • To explore the motivated nature of cognition protection.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis and comparison of cognitive dissonance models.
  • Examination of rationalization's role in belief maintenance.

Main Results:

  • The action-based model posits rationalization as motivated protection of existing cognitions.
  • Cushman's model views rationalization as a more detached cognitive construction process.

Conclusions:

  • The action-based model offers a distinct perspective on rationalization's adaptive role in cognitive dissonance.
  • Rationalization serves to actively defend strongly held beliefs.