Cognitive Dissonance

Term Paper # 128235

Psychology > Alcohol and Drugs
Psychology > Child and Adolescent
Sociology

A look at the continued occurrence of teenagers driving while under the influence of drink, despite knowing the consequences.

1,417 words () | 12 sources | APA | 2010 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the fact that adolescents continue to drink and drive though they are aware of the consequences. It explains that this cognitive dissonance occurs through changes in attitude that can create changes in behavior or knowledge. The paper also explains the social influences that exist in teenage drinking quoting various studies that have been carried out.

Outline:
Scenario
Cognitive Dissonance
Adolescent Drinking
Drinking and Driving
Social Influences of Teenage Drinking
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Teenage drinking is a serious problem. In this situation a teenager has made a conscious decision to attend a party in which alcohol will be available. A girl named Mandy is asked to attend a party at her friend's house. Mandy's parents allow her to go providing there will be adult supervision. Mandy knew there would be no adult supervision. Once Mandy arrives at the party, she realizes everyone is drinking beer. Desiring to ''fit in,'' she decides to ''go along with the crowd'' and begins drinking beer. Because Mandy has never consumed beer, she has no way of knowing how the beer will affect her. After a few hours, Mandy decides to leave the party with a friend who has also been drinking. Both are under the influence of alcohol. While driving Mandy home, the girl loses control of her car and runs into a tree. Although they both survived, the injuries were severe."

Sample of Sources Used:

Alexander, C. & Campbell, E. (1968). Balance forces and environmental effects: factors influencing the cohesiveness of adolescent drinking groups. Social Forces, 46(3), 367-374. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=13577184&site=ehost-live
Art of Europe. (2010). William Shakespeare - To be, or not to be (from Hamlet 3/1). Retrieved from http://www.artofeurope.com/shakespeare/sha8.htm
Coker, K., & Borders, D. (2001). An analysis of environmental and social factors affecting adolescent problem drinking. Journal of Counseling & Development, 79(2), 200-208. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=13577184&site=ehost-live
Cognitive dissonance. (2010) A Dictionary of Sociology. John Scott and Gordon Marshall. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Apollo Group. 30 June 2010 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t88.e303
Gaughan, M. (2006). The gender structure of adolescent peer influence on drinking. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 47(1), 47-61 Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=19968233&site=ehost-live