An Introduction to Cognitive Dissonance Theory and an Overview of Current Perspectives on the Theory
Harmon-Jones, Eddie, and Judson Mills. 2019. “An Introduction to Cognitive Dissonance Theory and an Overview of Current Perspectives on the Theory.” In American Psychological Association eBooks, 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000135-001.
Abstract:
A little more than 60 years ago, Leon Festinger published A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance (1957). Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance has been one of the most influential theories in social psychology. It has generated hundreds and hundreds of studies, from which much has been learned about the determinants of attitudes and beliefs, the internalization of values, the consequences of decisions, the effects of disagreement among persons, and other important psychological processes. This introductory chapter presents an introduction to cognitive dissonance theory, followed by an overview of current perspectives and research on the theory. It provides a brief description on research paradigms in dissonance research and alternative accounts of dissonance phenomena. The chapter also provides a brief description about the book and its subsequent chapters.
When social comparison in eco game design is too strong, it can lead to cognitive dissonance. If players feel they are not living up to the sustainable actions of others in the game, it can create discomfort. This dissonance might make them resist change or even disengage from the game, rather than motivating them to adopt more sustainable behaviors.