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Cognitive Dissonance theory is a theory of how we react in the face of conflicting cognitions (ideas, beliefs, values or behaviours) and behaviours) According to this theory, people strive to keep their knowledge, attitudes or behaviours consistent (consonant).
When we come across contradictory information that can’t be both true, we try to reduce contradicting (dissonant) cognitions and restore equilibrium by altering our attitudes, beliefs or behaviours.
We can reduce cognitive dissonance through: changing our cognitions or behaviours (quitting smoking) or adding new behaviours (reducing the importance of existing cognitions).
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