Cognitive Dissonance

Paper Summary:

This study examines the effects of cognitive dissonance on tobacco users whose aim is to quit smoking. Hypothesized predictions were generated from cognitive dissonance theory, which suggests that creation of dissonance may contribute to the likelihood that users will attempt to quit smoking and will successfully do so. The writer maintains that the results of the preliminary literature review suggest that cognitive dissonance is most likely to occur in tobacco users when the user has to choose between beliefs and actions that are not compatible. The exact nature of cognitive dissonance to tobacco use is examined in this research article.

Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
The Nature of Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Selective Exposure and Post Decision Dissonance
Theories of Minimal Justification
Reducing Cognitive Dissonance

From the Paper:

"Cognitive dissonance theory can be used to describe the discrepancy users feel between what they know to be true regarding tobacco use and their interpretation or the relative weight they give to this information. Cognitive dissonance suggests that while many users may acknowledge reports from the Surgeon General that tobacco use leads to death or cancer, they may reinterpret this information in a more positive light to reduce the conflict that results from acknowledging they are voluntarily engaging in a habit that is not health promoting. Cognitive dissonance however may also lead to enough discomfort or dissonance in the user to encourage more users to quit permanently, not on the basis of reward but rather to alleviate the dissonance occurring between their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Dissonance is more likely to be evident in users who acknowledge that tobacco use is bad for them, yet continue to purchase and smoke to assuage their cravings for nicotine."

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